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.

In terms of performance, the MiG-35 has nine hardpoints for weapons and equipment, allowing it to carry a maximum payload of 6,500 kilograms. Its operational range is about 2,000 kilometers without refueling, which can be extended to 3,100 kilometers when using external fuel tanks. Thanks to its high thrust-to-weight ratio and fly-by-wire flight controls, the MiG-35 is highly maneuverable, giving it an edge in close-range air battles.

The Fulcrum-F is designed to handle a variety of missions. It can achieve air superiority by taking on enemy fighters, deliver precision strikes against ground targets using guided bombs and missiles, and even conduct reconnaissance missions with its advanced sensors. It is compatible with a wide range of Russian and foreign-made munitions, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground rockets, bombs, and anti-ship missiles. Its defensive systems reduce its visibility to enemy radars and provide protection against electronic attacks.

However, despite all its technological upgrades, the MiG-35 is not a stealth aircraft. It lacks the radar-evading features found in true fifth-generation fighters like the U.S. F-35 or Russia’s own Su-57. Additionally, the MiG-35 program has suffered from limited production numbers, which has prevented it from having a significant impact in conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.

Operational History: A Ghost in the Machine

Despite its formidable specs, the MiG-35 has been conspicuously absent from the theaters of war. The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) placed an order in 2017 for 24 units, aiming for delivery by 2027. However, as of late, only a handful have taken to the skies, with reports suggesting fewer than ten have been produced. The international market echoed this lukewarm reception, with potential buyers opting for alternatives, leaving the MiG-35 in a state of limbo.

The Fulcrum-F was operationally deployed at the beginning of the war in Ukraine, where, despite its advanced design, its performance was underwhelming.

The Ukrainian Gambit: Necessity Breeds Revival

War has a peculiar way of breathing life into the comatose. The protracted conflict in Ukraine has bled Russia’s aerial fleet, with losses mounting and the need for replenishment becoming dire. Enter the MiG-35—a fighter jet that, despite being on life support, offers a beacon of hope for a beleaguered air force.

Strategic Implications

Deploying the MiG-35 in Ukraine serves multiple strategic purposes. Firstly, it bolsters Russia’s attempts at air superiority, providing a fairly modern platform to counter both aerial and ground threats. Secondly, it serves as a live demonstration to potential international buyers, showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities in real combat scenarios—a marketing strategy written in blood and steel. Russia still has to find a way to make money off of these things, and offering them to the highest bidder of nations that cannot make their own is one way to do that. 

Challenges Ahead

However, reviving the MiG-35 program is not without its hurdles. Production lines that have literally gathered dust must be reactivated, supply chains need to be reestablished, and pilots trained to harness the full potential of this warbird. Moreover, the specter of Western sanctions looms large, potentially stymying efforts to procure essential components and technologies.

Conclusion: A Phoenix or a Paper Tiger?

The MiG-35’s return to the forefront says a lot about Russia’s resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Yet, questions remain—will this revival mark the rise of a phoenix, soaring majestically over the battlefields, or is it merely the last gasp of a paper tiger, destined to be consigned to the annals of military history?