Sergey Chemezov, chief executive officer of Russia's Rostec defense corporation, stated on november 26 that Su-35S fighter jets significantly restrict the operations of various Ukrainian combat aircraft, including F-16s and Mirage 2000s. Chemezov claimed these advanced Russian jets can strike targets hundreds of kilometers away, forcing enemy aircraft to fly at minimum altitudes in rear areas. This prevents Ukrainian combat aircraft from reaching the front line to launch air-to-air missiles. He added that the Su-35S fleet also effectively carries out missions to strike and suppress enemy air defenses, with Russian pilots highly appreciating the aircraft's capabilities.

Ukrainian officials have not commented on this statement. However, the Ukrainian air force previously released a video showcasing the Mirage 2000 fighter jet, equipped with R550 short-range air-to-air missiles. They claimed the French-supplied combat aircraft has a success rate of up to 98% in intercepting Russian cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), with at least 12 Kh-101 long-range cruise missiles intercepted.

Russian Su-35S fighter jet on a combat mission in a video posted on november 26. Photo: Russian Ministry of Defense

In contrast to these claims, recent materials released by the Ukrainian air force show F-16 fighter jets now only equipped with older AIM-9L short-range air-to-air missiles for their missions. They no longer carry the most modern AIM-120B/C or AIM-9X medium-range munitions provided by the US during the initial stages of the conflict.

The Su-35S features an Irbis-E radar, capable of detecting targets at 400 km. Its primary air patrol weapons are R-77-1 or R-77M medium-range air-to-air missiles, with a range of 110-200 km, and R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles, which can hit targets over 300 km away.

Sakshi Tiwari, a writer for the military news site Eurasian Times, suggested this capability might explain why Ukrainian combat aircraft operate far from the front lines and fly low, hugging the terrain to avoid detection. Tiwari noted, "When operating at high altitudes, Ukrainian fighter jets would quickly be detected and engaged by Russian Su-35S, unable to close the distance to retaliate."

Ukrainian military personnel next to a Mirage 2000 fighter jet in a photo posted on november 26. Photo: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense

The Russian air force reportedly operates nearly 140 Su-35S fighter jets. Since the conflict began, the force has lost at least eight Su-35S aircraft but has offset these losses due to a continuously increasing aircraft production rate in recent years.

Pham Giang (According to TASS, Eurasian Times, Business Insider)