Russia’s new fighter jet Sukhoi Su-35 is dominating the skies of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials themselves have admitted that the Su-35 fighters are increasing their dominance in Ukraine. The Ukrainian government fears that their military does not have the capability to counter the Su-35.
The Su-35 is a significantly developed version of the Su-27. Development began in the early 1980s. The aircraft first flew in 1988 and was originally known as Su-27M. It was proposed as a super agile Su-27 primarily for air superiority missions, but also with a greatly expanded air-to-ground capability. It had a number of improvements in engines, aerodynamics, avionics and construction methods. Later this aircraft was redesignated as the Su-35.
The Su-35 is a multirole fighter jet of Russia. This aircraft can be used for different missions. It has been built by upgrading Russia’s old Su-27 air defense fighter jet. It is a single seat, twin engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft. It has been designed by Sukhoi Design Bureau, while manufactured by Sukhoi.
According to ABC News report, a senior Ukrainian government official has told that Russia’s new Su-35 aircraft is equipped with very powerful radar and long-range missiles. In such a situation, this aircraft is capable of easily hunting Ukrainian fighter planes and providing air protection to the troops on the ground. The official said that Ukraine does not have the ability to counter this Russian threat. He said that air superiority is actually a big risk. In such a situation, the air defense system from America and other allied countries is number one in priority for Ukraine.
A leader considered a close aide of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that “Russian dominance of the skies in the war zone is a major challenge for us. Russia has 12 times more aircraft than Ukraine. This problem is becoming dangerous now. We are telling the US authorities that we have no other option but to get fighter jets from western countries.” Ukraine has said in the past that the ability to counter Russia’s air power is limited. “In such a situation, we need more air defense systems and surface to air missiles from western countries,” the official said. Ukraine is constantly demanding fighter jets from NATO countries. But, US President Joe Biden has denied giving F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.
However, Slovakia said last week that it had already handed over four of the 11 Soviet-era MiG fighter jets to Ukraine. Poland has also promised to give MiG fighter jets to Ukraine. Here, Russia is increasingly using F-35 fighter jets against Ukraine. Recently, Russia sent these F-35 planes to chase American strategic bombers.
