Russia sends Su-35S to test fire in Syria

Russian military sources say the country is preparing its next-generation Su-35S fighter jet for combat testing in Syria.

Sukhoi Su-35S fighter jet. Photo: Sukhoi JSC.

"The General Staff has decided to let the Su-35S participate in combat testing for the first time in Syria," Kommersant newspaper quoted a private source in the Russian military as saying.

Accordingly, the Russian Aerospace Forces received the first four Su-35S last fall. A few days ago, they were transported via Iran and Iraq to the Hmeimim base established by Russia in Latakia, northwestern Syria.

The Su-35S is a single-seat 4++ generation aircraft, an upgraded version of the Su-27 multi-role fighter. The Su-35S is 21.9 m long, 5.9 m high, has a wingspan of 15.3 m, and a maximum take-off weight of 34.5 tons. The fighter has a maximum speed of 2,390 km/h, an operating ceiling of 18,000 m, and is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-301 cannon and 12 hardpoints that can be used to mount missiles or bombs.

According to VNE