The U.S. evaluated the characteristics of the Russian Su-35
The Russian Su-35 fighter jet is more than capable of competing with other modern aircraft. On September 23, The National Interest (TNI) magazine writes that.
"The unique characteristics of the mixed-generation fighter combined with its proven combat power ensure that it will not be abandoned anytime soon," the article says.
It is noted that the Su-35 fighter incorporates the latest stealth systems, radar systems and propulsion systems.
The publication writes that the radar system looks particularly impressive, as it can detect aircraft at a distance of up to 350 kilometers.
To top it all off, the fighter can reach supersonic speeds without the need for an afterburner. "This probably contributed to the Su-35's success against Ukrainian S-300 missile launchers," the website said.
The magazine notes that the fighter can carry up to 12 short-range missiles. This payload, combined with its speed and super maneuverability, may be the reason why the Ukrainians are already asking for more advanced aircraft than the F-16s they have just started receiving.
Earlier, on September 20, military expert, retired Colonel Andrei Koshkin shared his opinion that the F-16 fighter jets handed over to Ukraine are unlikely to have undergone serious modernization. He added that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) could have been handed over the F-16s without additional innovations for fear that the technical achievements might end up in the hands of the Russian military.
Western countries have stepped up military and financial support for Kiev amid Russia's special operation to defend Donbas, which was announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24, 2022, after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.
