Rostec delivers first Su-35 batch of 2026

Rostec delivered seven batches of Su-35S fighter aircraft to the Russian MoD last year. It has now announced its first Su-35 delivery of 2026, marking the growing importance of the platform to the Russian Aerospace Forces.  

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on April 20, 2026.  

Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has delivered the first 2026 batch of Su-35S fighter aircraft to the Russian Aerospace Forces. According to an April 17 press release, the aircraft were put through their usual rounds of testing before flying to their home airfields.  

“Unconditional fulfilment of state defence procurement orders is our top priority. This primarily concerns operational-tactical aircraft,” Vadim Badekha, CEO of UAC said.  

Unusually for a Rostec press release, which are typically very brief, this one included a statement from a Russian pilot. “This is a manoeuvrable, multirole fighter. This aircraft operates flawlessly, and the crew finds it comfortable to operate. We use this aircraft to perform a variety of missions,” he said.  

The missions of the Su-35S, according to that pilot are:  

• Air-to-air interceptions at long range, including with the R-73 and R-77 family of missiles.  

• Providing comb at air patrols for strike groups of Su-34s, which is often done with glide bombs.  

•  Destorying unmanned aerial vehicles, presumably in response to Ukraine’s strikes on Russian infrastructure. 

• Delivering precision strikes against ground targets, typically with long-range missiles like the Kh-59.   

• Reconnaissance at depth, identifying targets far behind the frontline.  

The pilot’s statement is largely known information, but does seem to support the assessment that Su-35S aircraft are fulfilling some of the roles performed by AWACS.  

Sukhoi’s aircraft production  

Sukhoi is ramping up production across three core platforms for the Russian armed forces. Three deliveries of Su-35s were reported in 2024, including a joint delivery with Su-57s. Furthermore, another seven were announced by Rostec in 2025, adding to five orders delivered since 2022.  There have been at least six deliveries of the Su-57 since 2022, including the pair of aircraft supplied in February.  

• Russia receives first Su-57 delivery of 2026 
• United Aircraft Corporation completes fourth Su-34 delivery of 2024  
• Third Su-34 batch of 2025 continues Russia’s rearmament  

All of this is coupled with production of the Su-34, which is a multi-role fighter often used in the ground-attack role. Rostec recorded six Su-34 deliveries in 2024, another seven in 2025, and as many as three in 2023.  

Platform	Total deliveries	Potential quantity
Su-34	16	32+
Su-35	16	32+
Su-57	6	12

The size of the deliveries is never revealed, but analysts frequently observe two different aircraft in Rostec imagery. Using this as a rule, the above table summarises the potential quantity of Sukhoi deliveries since 2022.  

Calibre comment: Su-35S, the backbone of the Russian Air Force 

Russian production of the Su-35S has almost certainly replaced the aircraft (at least six) that it has lost in Ukraine. However, the pace of deliveries indicates an intent to make the jet the backbone of the Russian aerospace forces. Together with the Su-34 and Su-57, the Russian forces are building a relatively large air force. And, as mentioned above, the Su-35S is taking on a larger number of roles, which may reduce dependence on bigger aircraft. Overall, the orders and deliveries suggest that the Su-35S will be the pacing threat for NATO air superiority fighters for the decade to come.  

But with that being the case, it is worth noting that some analysts do not rate the Su-35’s abilities against 5th generation fighters. While more than a match for 4th generation aircraft like the F-16, it would – in theory – struggle against things like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 because of their low observable profiles and superior sensors.  

• The Russian Aerospace Forces and deterrence  
• Russia and the strategic challenge to the North  

From a strategic perspective, Russia’s situation is far less positive. Its fleet of strategic bombers like the Tu-160 and Tu-95 has been extensively damaged and depleted by Ukraine’s operations. Other enablers, including the Russian A-50 AWA&CS fleet have suffered extensive losses too. These are harder for Russia to replace, and while the Su-35S reportedly carries out some of the roles performed by the A-50, it is unable to carry the cruise missile throw-weight of the strategic bombers. As a result of Russia’s stagnant ability to produce strategic bombers, it is probable that the additional missile capacity will be picked up by the Russian navy, if the need still exists.  

The lead image shows the nose of one of the recently delivered Su-35S aircraft. Credit: Rostec.