In the shadowy corridors of military aviation, where warbirds are born and retired with equal aplomb, the MiG-35 has lingered like an aging rock star at an afterparty-still wearing the leather jacket but now no one is asking for an autograph.

Once dismissed as a relic of Cold War bravado, this scrappy fighter jet is clawing its way back into relevance against the thunderous backdrop of the Ukraine conflict. The Kremlin, ever the maestro of military theatrics, is orchestrating a grand revival of this airborne warfighter. But as with all Russian epics, the plot is thick with intrigue, ambition, and a touch of desperation.

The MiG-35: A Brief Soaring and a Long Stall

The MiG-35 (NATO reporting name Fulcrum-F), an evolution of the venerable MiG-29, was unveiled with much fanfare—a 4++ generation multirole fighter boasting advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems, and the agility of Baryshnikov on afterburners. Yet, despite its promising debut, the MiG-35’s journey has been less of a supersonic ascent and more of a turbulent glide.

Design and Capabilities

The Mikoyan MiG-35 is a Russian multirole fighter jet classified as a “4++ generation” aircraft, meaning it is one of the most advanced versions of fourth-generation fighters without reaching true fifth-generation stealth capability. It is an upgraded evolution of the MiG-29, built to improve combat effectiveness, versatility, and operational performance. The MiG-35 features larger wing and tail surfaces, enhancing its aerodynamic agility and allowing it to perform sharp maneuvers during high-speed dogfights and close-range air combat.

Inside the cockpit, the MiG-35 is fitted with modern avionics. It has a fully digital “glass cockpit” equipped with large LCD multi-function displays—three in the single-seat version and four in the two-seater. The pilot’s interface is streamlined for ease of use and includes night vision capability, giving the pilot a clear view in low-light operations. Additionally, the aircraft’s structure includes corrosion-resistant materials, enabling it to operate in harsh weather conditions and from naval airbases if needed.

A key feature of the MiG-35 is its advanced radar and electronic systems. It is fitted with the Zhuk-A Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which can detect and track up to 30 targets at the same time and engage six of them simultaneously. The radar is more resistant to jamming and interference compared to older systems. The aircraft also includes an Optical Locator System (OLS), which allows it to passively track enemy aircraft using infrared sensors without emitting detectable radar signals. Its electronic warfare suite is designed to jam enemy radars, deceive incoming missiles, and gather intelligence on enemy signals, making it harder to shoot down.

The MiG-35 is powered by two RD-33MK turbofan engines, each producing 9,000 kilograms of thrust with afterburners. These engines are smokeless and emit less heat, making the aircraft less visible to infrared-guided missiles. The jet can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.25, or around 2,400 kilometers per hour, giving it the speed needed to intercept and engage enemy aircraft quickly.