Latest news with #Su-35s
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Su-35s Once Expected To Arm Iran Are Now In Algeria
Satellite imagery has confirmed the presence of the Su-35 Flanker-M multirole fighter in Algerian service, indicating that at least some of these aircraft have been transferred to the country, a new customer for the type. The Su-35 is almost certainly from a batch of aircraft originally built for Egypt, but never delivered, and then repeatedly connected with a sale to Iran. Algeria had also previously been reported as the first export customer for the Su-57 Felon next-generation fighter, as you can read about here. Firm evidence of the Su-35 in Algerian Air Force service appears in commercially available satellite imagery, including from Google Earth, as seen at the top of this page, dated March 10. Previously, similar imagery had been published recently by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), U.K.-based think tank. One of the jets, with an Algerian Air Force roundel on its left wing, is seen at Ain Beida/Oum el Bouaghi Air Base in eastern Algeria. The camouflage scheme is the same as that applied to Su-35s originally built for Egypt, but which remained in Russia. Interesting report indicating Algeria has purchased at least some of the Russian Su-35s originally built for Egypt and later reported to be sought by — John Hardie (@JohnH105) April 9, 2025 1/ A Su-35 at Oum el Bouaghi Air Base, Algeria. — Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) April 9, 2025 Earlier satellite imagery, dated March 2, shows a disassembled Su-35 being loaded into an An-124 Condor transport aircraft in Komsomolsk-on-Amur in the Russian Far East, where the fighters are built. On March 5, an An-124 — assumed to be the same example — appeared at Ain Beida/Oum el Bouaghi Air Base. A Su-35 was first noted in satellite imagery at the same base on March 10. While it is unconfirmed if this is the first and only Su-35 delivered to date, more are on the way. Recent imagery from Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Russia indicates Algerian roundels have now been applied at least four other aircraft from the Egyptian order — Joseph Dempsey (@JosephHDempsey) April 9, 2025 Unverified videos purportedly showing Su-35s flying in Algeria have been circulating on social media for several weeks. – Possible Su-35 Delivery to Algeria?Over the past week, there have been unusual Ilyushin flights carrying military cargo to Oum El Bouaghi Airbase in Algeria. These flights have sparked speculation, and now, new footage from the base suggests that Su-35s may have finally… — Uncensored News (@Uncensorednewsw) March 14, 2025 At this point, it's unclear how many Su-35s have been delivered to Algeria, although IISS reports that at least four other examples of the jets at Komsomolsk-on-Amur have also received Algerian Air Force markings. The Su-35 is a somewhat surprising addition to the Algerian Air Force, the combat fleet of which is dominated by Russian products, including another Flanker variant, the two-seat Su-30MKA Flanker-H. Currently, the Algerian Air Force operates 63 Su-30MKA and 40 MiG-29S/M/M2 multirole fighters, 42 Su-24MK2 strike/reconnaissance aircraft, and 16 Yak-130 combat trainers. It also operates 33 Russian-made Mi-24 Mk III and 42 Mi-28NE attack helicopters. All those figures are for 2024 and are published by FlightGlobal. These acquisitions have been enabled by the highest level of defense spending in Africa, supported by one of the continent's largest economies in Africa, due mostly to its large oil and gas reserves. Algeria's status as a leading buyer of Russian combat aircraft was apparently further underlined in February of this year, when the country's state-run media announced that Algeria was the first export customer for the Su-57. That development follows a statement earlier the same week from Russia that an undisclosed foreign customer will start to receive Su-57s this year. Algeria receiving the Su-35 doesn't rule out the purchase of the Su-57 as well, especially bearing in mind unconfirmed accounts suggesting that Algeria may initially be acquiring just six Su-57s. If true, that could suggest that an initial batch will be used for evaluation, or it might be that Russia is able to supply an initial batch of six, with more to follow. Perhaps Algeria is being impacted by the very slow rate of Su-57 production. Russia placed orders for 76 Su-57s to be delivered by 2028. As of the first quarter of 2025, however, IISS records that only 19 had been delivered. In 2023–24, just seven Felons were delivered. At the same time, transfer of the Su-35s to Algeria looks like it could be bad news for Iranian plans to modernize its aging air force. Back in March 2023, Iranian state-run media reported that the country had come to an agreement with Russia on the purchase of Su-35s for the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF). Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the UN announced on Friday that Iran has finalized buying #Sukhoi fighter jets from Russia. Here is what Iran has purchased: — IRNA News Agency (@IrnaEnglish) March 11, 2023 Ever since the October 2020 expiration of Iran's conventional arms embargo, a transfer of Su-35s had been expected, with any such deal likely to involve the 24 Su-35s once destined for Egypt before the threat of U.S. sanctions and a teased offer of F-15s put an end to that sale. In particular, Washington had said it would put sanctions on Cairo under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Despite this, production of the Su-35s continued at Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Not mentioned here is that Egypt's deal for 24 Russian Su-35 fighters, which are currently sitting at two airfields in Russia due to CAATSA concerns, is even less likely to be executed at this — Rob Lee (@RALee85) March 17, 2022 Senior U.S. officials revealed in December that Russia had trained Iranian pilots on the Su-35 in the spring of 2022, with the training and eventual transfers tied to continued support for Russia's war in Ukraine. Iran has supported the Russian war effort in Ukraine in multiple ways, including by delivering kamikaze drones for Russia's continued air attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, and by transferring short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs). As we have reported in the past, Iranian Su-35s, even only two dozen of them, would represent a huge leap in air combat capability over the aging and oft-cannibalized American, Chinese, and Soviet-era fighters in its inventory. Of course, such a transfer remains a possibility, although it's puzzling as to why the deal has been stalled for so long. In the meantime, Algeria has apparently jumped the queue and taken at least some of the Su-35s once destined for Egypt. On the other hand, some kind of split deal could also happen, with Algeria taking, for example, 12 of the jets, with a similar number heading to Iran. Otherwise, with the demands of the war in Ukraine, the bulk of the production output of the Su-35 at Komsomolsk-on-Amur is very likely to be absorbed by the Russian Aerospace Forces, which have reportedly received 'a small number' of these jets last month. For Algeria, the Su-35 provides yet another multirole Russian fighter to its air force's inventory, and it will be the most modern that the country operates, at least until any Su-57 deliveries materialize. For Iran, however, it looks like its wait for new fighter equipment might continue, at least for a while longer, or otherwise the country may end up with a smaller batch of Su-35s than was previously anticipated. Contact the author: thomas@
Asia Times
01-04-2025
- Business
- Asia Times
Taiwan's new fighters struggle to close airpower gap with China
Taiwan's acquisition of upgraded F-16V fighters marks a significant step forward, but does little to close the yawning gap with China's rapidly modernizing air force. Last month, multiple news outlets reported that the US delivered the first of 66 F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan, marking a significant milestone in a US$8 billion arms deal signed in 2019. The handover ceremony, held at Lockheed Martin's Greenville, South Carolina, factory, was attended by Taiwan's Deputy Defense Minister Po Horng-Huei and its representative to the US Alexander Yui. The jets, to be stationed at Zhihang Air Base, will equip the newly formed 7th Tactical Fighter Wing, which is tasked with bolstering the island's air defense amid growing threats from China. The Block 70 variant, the F-16V, features AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, conformal fuel tanks and upgraded avionics. \ These enable the carrying of a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon. Although the first delivered jet may temporarily lack its intended electronic warfare suite due to production delays, Taiwan plans to integrate the missing systems later. US officials highlighted the delivery as a demonstration of US commitment to the Taiwan Relations Act and the 'Six Assurances,' underscoring continued arms sales to Taipei despite China's opposition. Complete delivery of the 66 jets is expected by the end of 2026. Taiwan's new F-16V jets represent a significant improvement over its older F-16A/B fleet, which has also been upgraded to the V-standard. However, recent combat insights raise questions about their effectiveness against China's modern airpower. In a Defense Security Asia article last month, Yuriy Ignat, former spokesperson for Ukraine's Air Force Command, noted that Ukraine's upgraded F-16 AM/BM fighters – mid-life improved versions similar to Taiwan's older models – have struggled against Russia's Su-35s due to inferior avionics, maneuverability and weapon systems. While Taiwan's F-16Vs feature more advanced radar and electronic warfare systems than Ukraine's F-16s, they could face a similar qualitative disadvantage against China's Su-35s and its growing fleet of J-20 stealth fighters. Likewise, Global Security notes that Taiwan's fleet of Indigenous Defense Fighters (IDF) is underpowered and short-range, with speculation that US political pressure has prevented Taiwan from developing long-range fighters to avoid provoking China. Although Global Security suggests that Taiwan's IDFs may have been more advanced than any other combat aircraft China had at the time of their unveiling in the 1980s, China has since unveiled superior fighters. Further, Steve Balestrieri mentions in a February 2025 article for 1945 that China operates 24 Su-35s, bought from Russia ostensibly as a stopgap platform until China's J-20 stealth fighters were ready. Additionally, Maya Carlin mentions in an August 2023 article for 1945 that China has already produced 200-250 J-20 stealth fighters, marking a significant surge in production since the type was first unveiled in 2011. It is also unlikely that Taiwan will ever operate US stealth aircraft, such as the F-35. In a December 2021 Aviation Geek Club article, Zack Lu says that the US has zero expectation that Taiwan will hold out against a Chinese invasion. He notes any US military equipment sold to Taiwan will end up in China's hands if Taiwan capitulates. He mentions that all US military items sold to Taiwan are either older or current-generation systems, which are of little value to China when reverse-engineered. He says the F-35 is considered too cutting-edge to be compromised. In terms of sheer combat aircraft numbers, the US Department of Defense's 2024 China Military Power Report mentions that China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) and People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) Aviation are the largest aviation forces in the Indo-Pacific and third-largest in the world, with 3,150 total aircraft, of which 2,400 are combat aircraft, with 1,900 fighters. Additionally, Admiral John Aquilino mentioned in a March 2024 US Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing that China will soon have the world's largest air force, following its current status as having the world's largest army and navy. Despite those disadvantages, Taiwan's new F-16V jets may offer the self-governing island a much-needed airpower boost. Shu Hsiao-Huang mentions in a Taipei Times article published last month that Taiwan's new F-16V jets are equipped with the General Electric F110 engine; these jets deliver 13,154.18 kilograms of thrust, surpassing the older F-16A/B models and enabling greater weapon-mounting capacity. Shu notes other advanced features, including the APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar, a helmet-mounted cueing system and an electronic warfare suite. He also says the jets boast a larger air intake and a US18E ejection seat. Further, Taiwan's new F-16V jets may be compatible with newer US munitions, significantly enhancing their effectiveness in standoff strikes. Last month, The War Zone reported that the US is integrating the AGM-158C Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM) onto F-16V fighters, significantly enhancing their anti-ship capabilities. The report states that the LRASM's stealth and adaptability surpass those of the older AGM-84 Harpoon, which Taiwan currently has, offering a range of up to 965 kilometers. However, Kitsch Liao mentions in a Newsweek article published ast month that an air-launched LRASM capability for Taiwan might not survive China's initial onslaught, rendering it useless to China's amphibious landing group. In line with that, Sebastian Roblin points out in a March 2020 article for The National Interest (TNI) that for Taiwan's outnumbered fighters to make any impact, they must get off the ground – a task that may be impossible given the 1,300 ballistic missiles and hundreds of sea, air, and land-based cruise missiles China can array against the self-governing island. While Roblin notes that Taiwan has hardened underground air bases, its fighters may be bottled up if the runways are destroyed. Though he says that Taiwan could use highways as makeshift runways, the tempo of such operations would be sporadic at best. However, the biggest challenge for Taiwan's airpower may not be the self-governing island's resource constraints but rather the inefficient US arms sales processes. In a War on the Rocks article from last month, Kevin Ting-Chen Sun and Howard Shen mention that late deliveries of F-16 jets from US defense companies critically undermine Taiwan's defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions. Sun and Shen note that Taiwan's new F-16Vs faced delays due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, pushing the timeline to mid-2024. Compounding this issue, they point out that the F-16A/B upgrade program, which includes essential components such as electronic warfare pods and AGM-154C glide bombs, has been postponed from 2023 to 2026. They stress that these delays hinder Taiwan's air defense modernization, leaving its forces reliant on outdated systems and eroding public confidence in defense spending. They emphasize that systematic inefficiencies in US arms sales execution exacerbate Taiwan's vulnerability. In the end, Taiwan's F-16Vs may sharpen its defenses but without timely deliveries and an answer to China's overwhelming missile and airpower advantage, they risk becoming just another symbol of Taipei's shrinking military options.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
F-16 pilot explains how Ukrainian forces counter Russian guided bombs and their carriers
F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine by its partners cannot get close enough to destroy carriers of Russian guided aerial bombs. However, the defence forces are working on a comprehensive approach to counter these weapons. Source: an F-16 pilot in an interview to the Air Force Command Quote: "Our main focus right now is on Russian use of guided aerial bombs. Not all directions are fully covered, but we do our best to complete missions in these areas. We understand that we cannot get close enough to destroy the carriers of these bombs, but a complex effort is underway. This includes electronic warfare measures to disrupt the operation of these bombs, optimising the electronic warfare environment and enhancing the detection field for both the carriers and the guided bombs themselves. We are fully aware that the current number of Western-made air defence systems is insufficient, which is why the issue of increasing their supply has been raised multiple times. At the moment, in my opinion, some fronts are suffering from this shortage simply because it is physically impossible to set up this process. Our defence forces are doing incredibly hard work there, constantly countering both the carriers and the weapons themselves." Background: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, said that the F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine cannot fully compete with Russia's Su-35s in aerial combat. On 6 February, Ukrainian air defence units intercepted a Russian guided aerial bomb over the outskirts of Zaporizhzhia. The Air Force pointed out that this was not the first instance of Ukrainian forces successfully shooting down such a weapon. In an interview released by the Air Force, Viking, a pilot of a Ukrainian Su-27 aircraft, explained that there is no "magic wand" to counter Russian guided aerial bombs, which Russia uses 10 times more than Ukraine. The pilot emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to tackling these weapons: air defence systems, radars, fighter jets and missiles capable of hitting targets at a range of at least 100 km are needed. Ihnat previously reported that Russia dropped almost 40,000 guided bombs on Ukrainian territory in 2024 alone. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
F-16s alone cannot secure air superiority, comprehensive approach is needed, Ukrainian official says
The F-16 fighter jets provided to Ukraine cannot fully compete with Russia's Su-35s in aerial combat; ensuring air superiority for Ukraine's defence forces requires a comprehensive approach. Source: Colonel Yurii Ihnat, Head of the Communications Department of the Ukrainian Air Force Command, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda Quote: "The aircraft modifications Ukraine has cannot engage in one-on-one air battles. A comprehensive approach is needed, involving ground-based air defence, aviation and electronic warfare systems to achieve results – air superiority and countering the carriers of guided bombs used by the enemy on a large scale." Details: Ihnat noted that within the coalition framework, Ukraine provides international partners with information on the need for specific air defence assets. Ihnat also gave a reminder that Ukraine is constantly facing a shortage of surface-to-air missiles for foreign systems, as the Russians regularly launch large-scale attacks with all available weapons. Meanwhile, Russia continues to ramp up production of all means of aerial attack, including missiles, guided bombs and drones. Background: Ihnat previously reported that Russia dropped almost 40,000 guided bombs on Ukrainian territory in 2024 alone. Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
