Russia begins testing the MiG-35 fighter jet.

The MiG-35 fighter jet will undergo testing in January 2017, with the first batch expected to be delivered to the Russian Air Force by the end of this year.

A MiG-35 was spotted in mid-December 2016. Photo: Pravda.

"We plan to conduct test flights with the MiG-35 light fighter jet in January 2017," Sputnik quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin as saying on December 30.

The MiG-35 (NATO designation: Fulcrum-F) is a significantly upgraded version of the MiG-29M2 and MiG-29K multirole fighter jets. It is equipped with superior electronics and weaponry compared to previous models, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the OLS-35 optical target designation system. These systems help the MiG-35 reduce its reliance on ground guidance systems, unlike the MiG-29 and earlier models, according to Airforce Technology.

Mikoyan Corporation classifies the MiG-35 as a 4++ generation fighter, similar to Sukhoi's Su-35S version. This aircraft was first introduced at Aero India 2007, with the aim of participating in the Multi-Role Fighter Acquisition (MRCA) tender for the Indian Air Force. However, the MiG-35 lost out to the French Dassault Rafale.

This fighter jet comes in two versions: the single-seat MiG-35 and the two-seat MiG-35D. Its open-source system configuration allows the MiG-35 to utilize electronics from various countries, including France, Israel, Russia, and the United States. The Ramenskoye design corporation is responsible for integrating customer options into the airframe.

The aircraft uses the Phazotron Zhuk-AE radar, becoming the first Russian fighter jet equipped with AESA radar. This allows the MiG-35 to detect enemy aircraft from a distance of 200 km and warships from 300 km, track 30 targets, and engage 6 targets simultaneously. In addition, the OLS-35 infrared sensor and laser rangefinder system helps the MiG-35 locate enemies from a distance of 90 km without being detected.

The MiG-35 is 17.3 m long, has a wingspan of 12 m, and an empty weight of 11 tons. Two Klimov RD-33MK engines give the aircraft a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h, a range of 2,000 km, and a combat radius of 1,000 km. The MiG-35 fighter is equipped with a GSh-30-1 30 mm cannon and nine hardpoints, with a total weapon payload of 7 tons.

According to VNE