Why the Su-35 Still Terrifies Western Air Forces

Описание: Can a non-stealth fighter jet still threaten modern air forces dominated by fifth-generation aircraft?

In this in-depth documentary, we take a comprehensive look at the Su-35, Russia’s most advanced non-stealth fighter jet, and explore why it continues to draw serious attention from Western military planners despite the rise of stealth aircraft like the F-35 and F-22.

The Su-35 represents the absolute peak of fourth-generation fighter design, often described as a “4++ generation” aircraft. Built as the ultimate evolution of the legendary Su-27 Flanker, the Su-35 combines extreme maneuverability, long-range sensors, heavy missile payloads, and powerful engines with three-dimensional thrust vectoring. Instead of relying on stealth, it embraces raw aerodynamic performance and long-range firepower.

In this video, we break down the real capabilities of the Su-35, separating myths from facts. We examine its design philosophy, Russian air combat doctrine, and how its approach fundamentally differs from Western stealth-centric warfare. You’ll learn how the Su-35’s Irbis-E radar, infrared search and track system, and electronic warfare suite work together to maintain situational awareness even in contested environments.

We also explore one of the most controversial aspects of the aircraft: its weapons. The Su-35 can carry a wide range of air-to-air missiles, including long-range weapons designed to threaten high-value assets such as AWACS aircraft, aerial tankers, and electronic warfare platforms. These capabilities raise serious strategic questions about the survivability of modern air operations.

This documentary also examines the real-world combat experience of the Su-35 in conflicts such as Syria and Ukraine, analyzing what the aircraft has proven in actual operations—and where its limitations have been exposed. Rather than focusing on propaganda or speculation, the analysis is grounded in open-source assessments and realistic combat scenarios.

We compare the Su-35 with Western fighters like the F-15EX, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each platform. Is stealth always the deciding factor, or can speed, maneuverability, and missile reach still shape the outcome of modern air combat?

Finally, the video addresses the broader question of relevance. In an era increasingly defined by stealth aircraft, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare, does the Su-35 still matter in 2025 and beyond—or is it the final chapter of a fading generation of fighters?

If you’re interested in modern military aviation, air superiority, and the future of aerial warfare, this documentary provides a clear, balanced, and deeply analytical perspective.

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Would you trust stealth—or raw performance—in modern air combat?
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