Experts, observers, and analysts are asking a crucial question: where is the Russian Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum F, the aircraft touted to successfully counter the American F-35? During the 900+ days of the war in Ukraine, the world has witnessed nearly the entire spectrum of Russian aviation like the Su-25, Su-27, Su-30, Su-34, Su-35, and MiG-29, and there’s even chatter about the brief presence of the Su-57. However, the so-called “F-35 killer,” according to Russians, is conspicuously missing from the arsenal. 

American hardware expert and seasoned defense writer Peter Suciu raises the same concern: where is the MiG-35? Critics, Suciu notes, argue that the MiG-35 is more of a marketing ploy than a genuine rival to Western fighters like the F-35. This has sparked skepticism about its efficacy and future. To put it bluntly, a marketing gimmick could be seen as just a softer term for something ineffectual or even deceptive.

Despite claims of advanced radar and superior performance, the MiG-35 remains largely untested, with few units produced and limited operational use, Suciu concludes in his analysis. “Russia is struggling to find foreign buyers, and the introduction of the MiG-35 to Ukraine has not been confirmed,” he states. 

Unlike the Su-57, the MiG-35 faced strong competition at home from other Russian aircraft, particularly those from Sukhoi. The Su-30, Su-35, and Su-57 were preferred over the MiG-35, mainly due to their superior capabilities and the logistical benefits of maintaining a more unified fleet.

Another interesting aspect is the lack of interest from international buyers. Some analysts might point to factors like the war in Ukraine or CAATSA, but that’s not the core issue. Russia has always managed to find buyers, whether their numbers are rising or falling. Unlike the Su-57, which is eagerly eyed by countries like India and Vietnam, the MiG-35 hasn’t captured the imagination, not even within the Russian Air Force. Simply put, there’s zero interest. 

The MiG-35 has struggled to secure significant orders, both domestically and internationally. The Russian Air Force has opted for other aircraft, such as the Su-35 and Su-57, which outperform the MiG-35 in terms of range, payload, and versatility. This lack of demand further weakens the viability of the MiG-35 program.

The Kremlin is feeling the sting. Russia’s government is under serious financial strain, largely due to ongoing military operations like the invasion of Ukraine. These budgetary pressures have led to cuts in defense spending, making it hard to justify further development of a platform that hasn’t shown clear advantages over current options. Consequently, the production of additional MiG-35 units has been significantly reduced. 

Despite being marketed as a “4++” generation fighter with cutting-edge avionics and radar systems, the MiG-35 fell short of expectations. The aircraft experienced technical problems, particularly with its radar and engines, making it less competitive compared to modern fighters like the U.S. F-35. This tech-gap, especially regarding stealth capabilities and engine performance, lessened its appeal both in Russia and abroad.

That said, on paper, the MiG-35 is impressive—at least according to Russian engineers and media. Officially, the MiG-35 measures about 17.3 meters [56.8 feet] in length, with a wingspan of roughly 12 meters [39.3 feet], and a height of about 4.73 meters [15.5 feet]. It’s powered by two Klimov RD-33MK after-burning turbofan engines, each generating 19,800 pounds of thrust with an afterburner, promising high-speed performance and agility. 

The MiG-35 boasts the Zhuk-AE active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar, tracking up to 30 targets simultaneously and engaging up to 6 of them at once. Equipped with a fly-by-wire system, the MiG-35 offers enhanced maneuverability and stability. Pilots benefit from an advanced avionics suite featuring a glass cockpit, which displays critical flight information through multifunctional displays and a heads-up display [HUD].

With a variety of sensors, including an infrared search and track [IRST] system, the MiG-35 excels in passive detection and tracking of airborne targets. Its electronic warfare [EW] suite further enhances survivability with radar warning receivers [RWR], missile approach warning systems [MAWS], and countermeasure dispensers. 

When it comes to armament, the MiG-35 is extremely versatile, featuring nine hardpoints capable of carrying a wide array of weapons. These include air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, guided bombs, unguided bombs, and rockets. For close-range engagements, the aircraft can be equipped with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon.

The operational range of the MiG-35 can vary based on its mission profile and payload. With just its internal fuel, the MiG-35 boasts a combat radius of about 1,000 kilometers [620 miles]. Adding external fuel tanks or utilizing aerial refueling can significantly extend this range, allowing the jet to undertake longer missions and sustain a presence in contested airspace. 

Even if the MiG-35 met all expectations, it has a big problem: Moscow can’t make enough of them. Harrison Kass of The National Interest pointed out that “Only about a half-dozen MiG-35s have been delivered to Russian forces.” Last year, Sergei Korotkov, the chief designer at the United Aircraft Corporation [UAC], said that the MiG-35 had been sent to Ukraine. However, as reported by Defense-Blog.com, there is no solid proof of this beyond Russian media claims.

Russia keeps boasting about its “advanced” weapons but often doesn’t provide solid proof. This makes it hard to see the MiG-35 as more than just a modified MiG-29K prototype.

Hardware expert: Russian MiG-35 remains unproven, may be a sham