MiG-35
Russia's heavily delayed attempt to modernize the MiG-29 into a 4++-generation multirole fighter, hampered by small production runs, missing AESA radar, and a near-absence from frontline operations.
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.
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