Russian Su-35 Fighters Intensify Air Operations Over Ukraine
RUSSIA’S SU-35 FIGHTER-BOMBERS ARE PLAYING AN INCREASINGLY DOMINANT ROLE IN THE SKIES OVER UKRAINE
Russia is reportedly making increasingly aggressive use of its Su-35 multirole fighter jets to conduct air operations against targets in Ukraine, including strikes against positions located well behind the front line.
The Su-35’s combination of long-range weapons, advanced radar, electronic warfare capabilities and high maneuverability allows Russian aircraft to operate from a relatively safe distance while launching precision-guided munitions against Ukrainian military targets.
A key factor is the continued challenge facing Ukraine’s air-defense network. Ukrainian forces possess sophisticated systems, including Patriot and NASAMS, as well as Western-supplied fighter aircraft, but their air-defense resources remain limited and are under constant pressure from Russian missile and drone attacks.
This has allowed Russian tactical aviation to play a more prominent role in supporting ground operations. Russian aircraft can launch glide bombs and other stand-off weapons from distances that reduce the need to penetrate heavily defended Ukrainian airspace.
The growing use of Su-35s represents a significant development because these aircraft can provide both air-superiority and strike capabilities, while also escorting other Russian aircraft and helping suppress Ukrainian air defenses.
However, claims that Ukraine has “nothing serious” capable of opposing Russian aircraft are overstated. Ukraine still operates Western-supplied F-16s and maintains a layered air-defense network. The effectiveness of these systems varies according to available missiles, radar coverage, aircraft numbers and the location of the fighting.
Nevertheless, Russia’s ability to conduct increasingly frequent stand-off attacks illustrates the continuing pressure on Ukraine’s air-defense infrastructure.
With the war entering another intense phase, control of the air and the ability to strike targets deep behind the front line remains one of the most important factors shaping the battlefield.