The Drive: Why the Russian MiG-35 looks like a "dead duck"

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The Russian multifunctional light fighter of the 4 ++ generation MiG-35, almost four years after its first flight, looks like a “dead duck”, writes the American edition of The Drive.

Something went wrong with the plane. By the middle of 2020, the Russian Aerospace Forces was supposed to have a whole squadron (30 pieces) of such fighters. But the Russian military bought only a symbolic batch - 6 copies in 2019: 4 single and 2 double.



The Russian Ministry of Defense expected to replace all available light fighters with the MiG-35, but the joint tests with the RSK MiG have obviously been delayed and will not end until the end of 2021. But the longer the tests last, the more dubious the need for these fighters looks. Probably, they will eventually equip only the "Swifts" aerobatic team.

The MiG-35 is a further development of the MiG-29 fighters. But the Russian Aerospace Forces are now replacing the light MiG-29 with the heavy Su-30SM of the 4+ generation, and not the MiG-35. The thing is that the cost of the MiG-29 was 80% of the Su-27, and their operating costs were practically the same. At the same time, the Su-30SM is a further development of the Su-27. Thus, the whole point is lost in light fighters, when there are heavy ones, for practically the same money.

If the MiG-35s ever enter service with the Russian Aerospace Forces, they will receive the designations MiG-35S (single) and MiG-35UB (double). In RSK MiG these aircraft are called 9.41SR and 9.47SR, respectively. Both of them share a common airframe structure and a canopy. In a single, the seat is simply removed from the rear cab and replaced with an additional fuel tank.


The new Russian fighter jet is seriously different from its outdated Soviet counterpart. The cockpit of the MiG-35 is equipped with three liquid crystal displays and a monochrome projection display, there is an AFAR Zhuk-M radar, a variety of electro-optical and infrared sensors, a laser rangefinder / target designator, a helmet-mounted system for the pilot and many other equipment.

Undoubtedly, the MiG-35 is an efficient fighter. However, the prospects for its use in the Russian Aerospace Forces seem illusory. Sukhoi products prevail and already on the approach of the fifth generation Su-57, so it is increasingly difficult for the military to justify large-scale purchases of the MiG-35.
  • RAC "MiG"
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  1. -4
    9 August 2020 20: 16
    Undoubtedly, the MiG-35 is an efficient fighter.

    I noticed that ordinary mortals are better versed in everything that concerns Russia. Maybe because Russia is our home? And the government and the president are alien elements?
  2. -2
    10 August 2020 09: 06
    The answer is simple - "No money, but you are holding on."
    Everything is classified, but the cost of a "light" fighter is about the same as that of a heavy one (according to reviews). Then what for?
    1. +1
      10 August 2020 12: 23
      Quote: Sergey Latyshev
      but the cost of the "light" fighter is about the same as that of the heavy (according to reviews

      The same is the F-35. At a price 2 times more expensive than the more advanced F-22, slower, but there is no money for the 22nd, and there is for the 35th. For Boeing has received the nickname "orphans". And helping orphans is a righteous deed.
      1. -2
        10 August 2020 16: 55
        Quite the opposite. The F-22 costs about 146 million, and the F-35A today is more than 80 million.
        1. -1
          10 August 2020 18: 00
          80 - no engine, comrade, no engine. The engine and its fittings are paid separately. In general, the 35th - 135 million, the 22nd - 110 million in collection. The only thing, the 22nd is not sold abroad.
          1. -1
            10 August 2020 20: 11
            Who told you such nonsense? F-22 - at least 146 million, 35th in full minced meat - up to 100.
      2. 0
        10 August 2020 19: 37
        Do you have any idea what you wrote now? Or is it subtle Georgian humor ???
    2. 0
      11 August 2020 17: 59
      When the enemy scolds, it means that the opposite is true ... As for the MiG-35, the Su-57 has been brought up for decades, so the MiG also needs a deadline, and then it will become clearer, but if they do it, it means that there is a prospect .. ...
  3. -2
    11 August 2020 00: 27
    Quote: Oyo Sarkazmi
    Quote: Sergey Latyshev
    but the cost of the "light" fighter is about the same as that of the heavy (according to reviews

    The same is the F-35. At a price 2 times more expensive than the more advanced F-22, slower, but there is no money for the 22nd, and there is for the 35th. For Boeing has received the nickname "orphans". And helping orphans is a righteous deed.

    Stop talking nonsense. The cost of the last production F-22 is $ 154 million, the cost of the F-35A is $ 87 million. And he and the other "with all the guts" - engines, airborne radar and other avionics (without R&D costs, of course).
    1. The comment was deleted.
    2. 0
      17 October 2020 20: 20
      Cost for the USA itself:
      F-35A: $ 77,9 million
      F-35B: $ 101,3 million
      F-35C: $ 94,4 million
      Export price:
      F-35A: - $ 176,5 million full armament
      F-35I: US $ 200 million complete armament,