MiG-35 Fighter Jet: Russia’s Advanced 4++ Generation Multi-Role Aircraft

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Russia Mikoyan MiG-35 Fighter Jet

The MiG-35 fighter is a highly upgraded variant of the MiG-29, developed by Russia’s Mikoyan design bureau in the early 2000s. Classified as a 4++ generation multi-role fighter, the MiG-35 was designed to achieve air superiority and execute precision ground strikes under all-weather conditions. With enhanced avionics, modern weapons systems, and improved engines, the aircraft was first revealed to the public in 2007 and carries the NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F.

Development and Production History

Development of the MiG-35 spanned several years. By 2013, the Russian Air Force announced plans to procure 37 MiG-35 units. By 2016, three prototypes and two pre-production aircraft were completed. Factory testing concluded in 2017, and by 2019, two jets were delivered for testing with an additional four planned by the end of the year.

Despite its capabilities, the MiG-35 program struggled to gain traction, both domestically and internationally. The aircraft was offered to foreign markets such as Algeria, Egypt, and India, but as of 2021, no mass production orders were received. The lack of orders contributed to financial difficulties for the MiG corporation, which now primarily earns revenue through maintenance of existing fighters. In 2021, the company announced it would sell off 60 hectares of its facilities in Moscow.

At present, Russia’s new-generation fighters are being produced exclusively by Sukhoi, sidelining the MiG-35 from future production plans.

MiG-35 Fighter Jet Specifications

General Information
Country of Origin	Russia
Entered Service	?
Crew	1 man
Dimensions and Weight
Length	17.32 m
Wingspan	12 m
Height	4.73 m
Weight (empty)	11 t
Max Takeoff Weight	29.7 t
Engines and Performance
Engines	2 × Klimov RD-33MK
Thrust (dry / afterburner)	2 × 53 kN / 88.3 kN
Max Speed	2,560 km/h
Service Ceiling	17.5 km
Ferry Range (with fuel tanks)	3,100 km
Combat Radius	500 km
Armament
Cannon	1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 with 150 rounds
Missiles	R-27R, R-27T, R-27ER, R-27ET, R-60M, R-73E, R-73M, R-74M, R-77, Kh-31A, Kh-31P, Kh-29T, Kh-29L
Bombs	KAB-500L, KAB-500T guided bombs, free-fall bombs
Other	S-8, S-13, S-24, S-25L, S-250 unguided rockets

MiG-35 Design and Role

The MiG-35 is based on the MiG-29M and shares a similar airframe. The first prototype was modified from the MiG-29M2 demonstrator model. Due to its increased weight and capabilities, the MiG-35 is now classified as a medium-weight fighter.

Designed for multi-role operations, the MiG-35 can conduct air-to-air combat, ground attack missions, and aerial reconnaissance with appropriate equipment. Its versatility makes it suitable for complex battlefield scenarios.

Avionics and Radar Systems

One of the most significant improvements in the MiG-35 is its avionics suite, particularly the Phazatron Zhuk-AE Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This radar offers:

• Detection range of 130–160 km for air targets and up to 300 km for naval targets
• Capability to track 30 targets and engage six simultaneously
• Resistance to electronic countermeasures (ECM)

In addition to the radar, the fighter is equipped with two electro-optical targeting systems:

• The forward-looking system can detect incoming enemy aircraft from 50 km and outgoing targets from 90 km
• A second system under the fuselage can detect ground targets like tanks from 20 km

However, despite these improvements, MiG-35 avionics are still considered inferior to Western systems. Export versions of the aircraft can be fitted with avionics from Russia, the U.S., France, Israel, or other countries, based on customer requirements.

Weapons and Combat Capabilities

The MiG-35 fighter jet is armed with a 30mm internal cannon carrying 150 rounds. It also features nine external hardpoints capable of carrying up to 7,000 kg of mixed ordnance, including:

• Air-to-air missiles
• Air-to-surface missiles
• Guided bombs
• Unguided rockets
• Free-fall bombs

Its multi-role capabilities enable the aircraft to adapt to various combat environments, from dogfights to ground attack missions.

Defensive Systems and Survivability

The MiG-35 is built with integrated electronic warfare (EW) systems aimed at increasing survivability in hostile environments. It is believed that future export or domestic variants might be fitted with an Italian-made multi-function jammer, further enhancing its self-defense abilities.

Engine and Thrust Vectoring Technology

Powering the MiG-35 are two Klimov RD-33MK engines, which are more powerful and efficient than earlier models used in the MiG-29. Key specifications include:

• 7% more power than the standard RD-33 engine
• Lower infrared and optical signature
• Optional thrust-vectoring nozzles (RD-33MKV), allowing thrust control in two planes

Thrust vectoring improves maneuverability and dogfighting performance, potentially increasing combat efficiency by 12–15%. Notably, the MiG-35 is one of the few aircraft designed with two-plane thrust vectoring, a capability currently operational only in the Sukhoi Su-35. By contrast, Western aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and India’s Su-30MKI only support single-plane thrust vectoring.

Export Potential and Market Challenges

While the MiG-35 was actively promoted to several international customers, geopolitical issues, financial constraints, and competitive offerings from other manufacturers have limited its success. Countries like India, once seen as a potential key customer, have favored platforms such as the Dassault Rafale or domestically developed aircraft like the HAL Tejas.

Additionally, the emergence of stealth fighters like the F-35 Lightning II and Su-57 has made it harder for non-stealth fighters to remain competitive on the global stage.

MiG-35 Variants: All Versions Explained

The MiG-35 has several distinct variants designed to fulfill different operational roles and configurations. These versions range from single-seat models to two-seat trainers and even proposed naval adaptations. Below is a breakdown of each variant:

MiG-35

This is the standard single-seat variant of the MiG-35, intended for frontline combat missions. It represents the base configuration for air superiority and ground attack roles.

MiG-35D

The MiG-35D is the two-seat version of the MiG-35. It is primarily used for training purposes and missions that require a weapons system officer in the rear seat.

MiG-35S

The MiG-35S is a single-seat serial production model. This variant features an extra fuel tank in place of the second pilot seat, increasing its operational range while maintaining combat capabilities.

MiG-35UB

The MiG-35UB is the two-seat serial production variant. It provides operational versatility, supporting both pilot training and dual-crew missions when needed.

Naval Version (Under Development)

A carrier-based naval version of the MiG-35 is currently under development, according to Mikoyan’s General Director, Ilya Tarasenko. The aircraft is being adapted for deck-based operations, and Concern Radio-Electronic Technologies has already integrated a new landing system compatible with the BINS-SP-2 deck. This variant is expected to support future operations on Russian aircraft carriers.

Conclusion

The MiG-35 multi-role fighter represents Russia’s attempt to modernize its legacy MiG-29 platform into a next-generation combat aircraft with upgraded radar, advanced avionics, thrust-vectoring engines, and multirole flexibility. Despite its promising features, the MiG-35 has faced an uphill battle in terms of market acceptance and production scaling.

In 2025, the future of the MiG-35 remains uncertain. While it offers a cost-effective alternative for air forces unable to procure fifth-generation jets, its lack of production orders and dwindling industrial support cast doubt on its long-term viability.