MiG-35

A long-promised, repeatedly delayed modernization of the MiG-29 Fulcrum, the MiG-35 Fulcrum-F struggles to escape the shadow of its Flanker stablemates — fielded in token numbers, missing its intended AESA radar, and largely absent from Russia's expanding air wars.

Overview

The MiG-35, NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F, is a twin-engine, 4++-generation multirole fighter derived from the Soviet-era MiG-29. Designed as a light/medium complement to the heavier Su-35S and Su-57, it was intended to bring an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, improved engines, and modern avionics to the Fulcrum line. However, serial production never materialised: Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) have accepted only a handful of airframes, and the aircraft has not been exported. The program is frequently described as a stalled bridge between the MiG-29 and the next-gen ambitions of the Russian air arm.

Development

Mikoyan (absorbed into UAC as MIGAVIA) publicised the MiG-35 as a deep redesign of the MiG-29, with a first flight around 2016 and a long road to limited induction from 2019 Defense Feeds. The Russian Ministry of Defence initially signalled interest in procuring 24 aircraft, but repeated delays and funding constraints shrank the order to single digits National Security Journal. Most of the airframes delivered to the VKS date from the early 2020s, and production has not moved beyond that tiny initial batch. The program was intended to secure export sales—showcased at MAKS airshows—but no foreign customer has signed a contract.

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