Ukraine air defense shoots down first Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su-35S fighter

Aviation Defense News April 2022 aerospace air force industry
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On April 3, several social network users (namely MilitaryAviationInUa) published on Twitter the picture of the first Sukhoi Su-35S downed by the Ukrainian air defense (with a MANPADS or an S-300 missile) since the Russian invasion started, on February 24. The fighter was shot down near Izyum (Kharkiv region). The pilot ejected and was captured by Ukrainian forces.

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Ukraine air defense shoots down first Russian Air Force Sukhoi Su 35S fighter First Sukhoi Su-35S downed by the Ukrainian air defense (with a MANPADS or an S-300 missile) since the Russian invasion started, on February 24. (Picture source: Twitter)

The Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E) is the designation for two improved derivatives of the Su-27 air-defense fighter. They are single-seat, twin-engine aircraft, designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and built by the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant.

The type was originally developed by the Soviet Union from the Su-27 and was known as the Su-27M. It incorporated canards and a multi-function radar giving it multi-role capabilities. The first prototype made its maiden flight in June 1988. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Sukhoi re-designated it as the Su-35 to attract export orders. Fourteen aircraft were produced and used for tests and demonstrations; one example had thrust-vectoring engines and was, in turn, redesignated the Su-37. A sole Su-35UB two-seat trainer was also built in the late 1990s that resembled the Su-30MK family.

In 2003, Sukhoi embarked on a second modernization of the Su-27 to serve as an interim aircraft awaiting the development of the Sukhoi PAK FA (Su-57) program. Also known as the Su-35, this version has a redesigned cockpit and weapons-control system and features thrust-vectoring engines in place of the canards. The type made its first flight in February 2008. Although it was designed for export, the Russian Air Force became the launch customer in 2009, with the production version designated Su-35S. China's People's Liberation Army Air Force also placed orders.

Su-35S is the designation of the production T-10BM design for the Russian Air Force. According to Aviation Week & Space Technology, "S" stands for Stroyevoy ("Combatant")