Defense & Military
Russia Receives New Su-35S Jets Amid Global Defense Shifts
UAC delivers advanced Su-35S fighters to Russia, scales production for domestic and export markets while navigating sanctions and geopolitical pressures.
Introduction: The Strategic Significance of Su-35S Deliveries
The recent delivery of Su-35S fighter jets by the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) to the Russian Aerospace Forces marks a critical development in Russia’s ongoing efforts to modernize its airpower capabilities. As geopolitical tensions persist and military operations continue in regions such as Ukraine, the timely reinforcement of Russia’s air fleet with advanced aircraft like the Su-35S reflects both strategic necessity and industrial resilience.
The Su-35S, a 4++ generation multirole fighter, serves as a technological bridge between legacy platforms such as the Su-27 and next-generation stealth aircraft like the Su-57. With capabilities that include supermaneuverability, long-range radar detection, and a diverse weapon payload, the Su-35S plays a pivotal role in Russia’s military doctrine. The 2025 deliveries, representing the second batch this year, are part of a broader defense procurement plan extending through 2030.
Beyond domestic deployment, the Su-35S has drawn international attention, particularly from countries like Algeria. As export deals evolve and production scales up, the aircraft’s role in shaping regional balances of power and global arms markets becomes increasingly evident.
Production and Technical Capabilities of the Su-35S
Manufacturing and Delivery Trends
The Su-35S aircraft are produced at the Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant, a key facility under UAC. According to official reports, the second batch of 2025 has been delivered, with the third and fourth aircraft of the year now in service. The plant is currently operating at full capacity, with plans to increase output by 2028 to meet growing demand from both domestic and international clients.
Production rates have been consistent, with deliveries occurring every two to three months. This pace aligns with the state defense order initiated in 2024, which mandates sustained production of Su-35S units through the end of the decade. Satellite imagery and defense analysis suggest that approximately 30–35 units are produced annually, a figure that may rise with ongoing infrastructure expansion.
In terms of cost, the Su-35S is positioned as a more affordable alternative to Western counterparts. Unit prices are estimated between $45 million and $69.4 million, significantly lower than the F-35 ($122 million) or F-15EX ($101 million). This price-performance ratio enhances the aircraft’s appeal in the export market.
“Our plants are meeting targets set by the state defense order. We are expanding production infrastructure to support future deliveries,” Vadim Badekha, UAC CEO
Technical Specifications and Combat Readiness
The Su-35S incorporates several advanced technologies that enhance its operational effectiveness. Its AL-41F1S engines with thrust vectoring allow for supermaneuverability and supersonic cruising without afterburners. The Irbis-E radar system can detect targets at ranges up to 400 km and guide long-range missiles such as the R-37M, which has a range of 400 km.
With a payload capacity of 8 tons across 12 hardpoints, the Su-35S can carry a variety of munitions, including air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs. Its combat radius of approximately 1,500 km enables deep strike and air superiority missions without the need for frequent refueling.
All delivered aircraft undergo rigorous factory testing and operational evaluations before deployment. These tests include flight evaluations in varying weather conditions and acceptance trials by Ministry of Defense personnel, ensuring operational readiness upon arrival at frontline bases.
Export Dynamics and International Interest
While the Su-35S primarily serves the Russian Aerospace Forces, it has also attracted interest from international buyers. Algeria recently received units originally intended for Egypt, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s defense export strategy. Satellite imagery and video evidence have confirmed the presence of Su-35S aircraft at Algerian airbases.
Discussions regarding Algeria’s interest date back to 2016, and the recent deliveries indicate the culmination of years of negotiation. Other countries, such as Vietnam, have also expressed interest, though Western sanctions and political pressures have disrupted some deals.
Despite export challenges, the Su-35S remains a competitive option for countries seeking high-performance aircraft at a lower cost. Its proven combat capabilities and affordability make it a viable alternative to Western and Chinese platforms in the global arms market.
Strategic and Operational Implications
Role in Ongoing Conflicts
Although the Su-35S has not been deployed extensively in the Ukraine conflict, its presence in the Russian fleet enhances overall airpower capabilities. The aircraft is primarily used for air defense and strategic strike missions, complementing other platforms like the Su-34 and Su-57.
Russia’s increased losses in Ukraine have prompted a shift in procurement priorities, with greater emphasis on replenishing and upgrading the fighter fleet. The Su-35S, with its advanced avionics and long-range capabilities, plays a key role in this strategy.
Its deployment to frontline bases provides Russia with the ability to project airpower across contested regions, reinforcing its strategic posture amid ongoing tensions.
Challenges in Modernization and Sanctions
One of the key hurdles facing the Su-35S program is the impact of international sanctions, particularly those targeting microelectronics and avionics components. Despite these restrictions, UAC has continued production by leveraging domestic alternatives and prioritizing resource allocation.
However, the reliance on non-stealth designs presents limitations in advanced conflict zones equipped with modern air defense systems. While effective against older systems, the Su-35S may face operational constraints in highly contested environments.
These challenges underscore the need for continued modernization and potential upgrades to maintain the aircraft’s relevance in future combat scenarios.
Export Strategy and Geopolitical Influence
The Su-35S serves not only as a military asset but also as a diplomatic tool in Russia’s foreign policy. By offering high-performance aircraft to non-aligned nations, Russia aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and expand its influence.
However, the geopolitical landscape complicates long-term export strategies. Western pressure has led to the cancellation of some deals, such as Egypt’s, while others remain in negotiation. Nonetheless, the aircraft’s cost-effectiveness continues to attract interest from countries with limited defense budgets.
As UAC scales up production and explores new markets, the Su-35S is likely to remain a linchpin in Russia’s dual strategy of military modernization and geopolitical outreach.
Conclusion
The delivery of the latest batch of Su-35S fighter jets to the Russian Aerospace Forces signifies more than just an industrial milestone—it reflects a broader strategy of enhancing national defense capabilities while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics. With its blend of advanced technology, affordability, and combat readiness, the Su-35S continues to play a central role in Russia’s airpower doctrine.
Looking ahead, the aircraft’s future will depend on how effectively Russia can address production challenges, adapt to evolving combat environments, and sustain interest from international buyers amidst growing global scrutiny. As the world watches the shifting contours of modern warfare, the Su-35S will remain a focal point in discussions about air superiority, defense economics, and strategic influence.
FAQ
What is the Su-35S?
The Su-35S is a 4++ generation multirole fighter jet developed by Russia as an advanced version of the Su-27. It features thrust-vectoring engines, a long-range radar, and a wide array of weapon systems.
How many Su-35S jets has Russia received in 2025?
As of May 2025, Russia has received at least four new Su-35S aircraft, delivered in two batches. Production is ongoing as part of a state defense order through 2030.
Which countries are interested in purchasing the Su-35S?
Algeria has recently received Su-35S jets, while countries like Vietnam have expressed interest. Egypt previously canceled its order due to geopolitical pressures.
Sources: Militarnyi, Rostec, DefenseTalks, Defence Blog, Army Recognition, Bulgarian Military
Photo Credit: ZonaMilitar
Defense & Military
Airbus Delivers First NH90 Standard 2 to France in 2026
Airbus Helicopters delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to France on July 30, 2026, for special operations forces.
Airbus Helicopters delivered the first NH90 Standard 2 to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) on July 30, 2026, introducing a heavily modified tactical transport variant engineered specifically for special operations forces.
The handover in Marignane, France, initiates a fleet modernization effort for the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment based in Pau. According to an Airbus Helicopters press release, France will receive a total of 18 NH90 Standard 2 airframes by mid-2029.
Avionics and structural modifications
The NH90 Standard 2 builds upon the existing NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) platform with targeted structural and digital upgrades. To support operations in degraded visual environments, the aircraft integrates the Safran Euroflir 410 D electro-optical system (EOS) and a new Direct Aperture System (DAS). Both sensor suites interface directly with the Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted display to improve crew situational awareness.
Structural changes prioritize rapid troop deployment and defensive capabilities. Engineers relocated the defensive weapon stations to open hatches at the rear of the fuselage, ensuring the main cabin doors remain unobstructed for commando insertion and extraction. With the addition of external fuel tanks, the aircraft achieves an operational range of 1,000 kilometers.
The variant also features a removable radio kit bay known as ‘KAMORA’ to manage complex communication requirements.
“Integrating a new communications system is a complex and costly process. The NH90 Standard 2 comes pre-equipped with antennas and cabling to accommodate any type of new radio installation. Voice, data, satellite transmission, everything can be installed quickly and easily in the helicopter, which also has the capacity to control drones. It is revolutionary,” an officer from the ALAT 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment stated in an Airbus publication.
Program development and international orders
The NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) formally ordered the NH90 Standard 2 program in October 2020. Following initial prototype flight testing in June 2024, production commenced in early 2025.
The NH90 program is managed by NHIndustries, a joint venture comprising Airbus Helicopters with a 62.5 percent stake, Leonardo with 32 percent, and GKN Fokker holding the remaining 5.5 percent.
While France is the launch customer, the variant has secured additional European commitments. In December 2025, Spain ordered 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar configuration.
“We are very pleased that Spain has also joined the development of the features that will enhance the crew’s situational awareness,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot said in the company’s press release. “It shows that this new standard of the NH90 is on its way to becoming the benchmark for special forces across the world.”
AirPro News analysis
The delivery of the NH90 Standard 2 highlights a growing requirement among European militaries for rotary-wing assets that can seamlessly integrate with unmanned systems and operate in highly contested environments. By pre-wiring the airframe for modular communication upgrades and drone control, Airbus and the NHIndustries consortium are positioning the platform to adapt to rapid advancements in battlefield networking. Spain’s decision to procure 31 airframes in a similar standard suggests the Standard 2 configuration may establish a baseline for NATO special operations interoperability over the next decade.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Boeing Awarded $75M Contract for GBU-75 JDAM LR Production
The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $75M contract on Aug. 5, 2026 to begin initial production of the GBU-75 JDAM LR for the U.S. Navy.
The U.S. Air Force awarded The Boeing Company a $75 million Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) on August 5, 2026, clearing the Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM LR) for initial production for the U.S. Navy.
Designated as the GBU-75, the weapon system transforms standard unguided gravity bombs into powered cruise missiles. In a press release issued on August 5, Boeing confirmed the contract funds the acquisition of the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit (PDU). This provides an affordable, mass-producible standoff strike capability that allows pilots to engage targets from beyond the effective range of enemy air defenses.
Technical specifications and development
The JDAM LR, previously referred to in development as the Powered JDAM (PJDAM), integrates a Kratos Defense & Security Solutions TDI J85 turbojet engine and deployable wings manufactured by Ferra Engineering with the existing JDAM guidance tail kit. According to Boeing, the munition features a 500-pound class (226-kilogram) payload capacity and an operational range exceeding 300 nautical miles.
Prior to the August 5 contract award, Boeing invested nearly $100 million internally to develop the JDAM LR program. Bob Ciesla, Vice President of Boeing Precision Engagement Systems, stated the production contract demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver long-range precision-strike capability at a significantly lower cost. Ciesla noted that scaling production of the GBU-75 will provide the fleet with a sustainable solution designed to eliminate long-range threats in contested battlespaces.
Flight testing and fleet integration
The production clearance follows a series of successful flight tests conducted by the U.S. Navy. On April 1, 2026, the U.S. Navy launched the inaugural flight test of the JDAM LR from an F/A-18 Super Hornet off the coast of California. Defense News reported that the munition flew approximately 200 nautical miles during a 34-minute flight. A subsequent test on April 3, 2026, incorporated altitude changes and weapon maneuvering.
Capt. Sarah Abbott, Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) Program Manager for the U.S. Navy, emphasized the tactical necessity of the weapon following the testing phase.
“As Naval Air Forces in theater continue to rely heavily on JDAM systems, the program recognizes a critical need to provide the fleet with greater standoff range. This new capability allows pilots to engage targets from significantly safer distances, maintaining a tactical advantage in contested environments,” Abbott said, as reported by Naval News.
Manufacturing and strategic need
Manufacturing for the GBU-75 will take place at Boeing’s facility in St. Charles, Missouri. The company is currently establishing dedicated manufacturing space for the JDAM LR while finalizing qualification and aircraft-integration work.
AirPro News analysis
We view the rapid progression of the JDAM LR from testing to initial production as a direct response to shifting global munitions inventories. Reporting from naval and defense outlets indicates that recent operations in the Middle East have significantly depleted stockpiles of various long-range strike munitions fielded by both the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy. By leveraging existing JDAM infrastructure and adding modular propulsion and lift components, the Department of Defense is prioritizing weapons that can be manufactured quickly and affordably at scale. The GBU-75 fills a critical gap between short-range glide bombs and highly exquisite, expensive cruise missiles, offering a sustainable volume-strike option for contested environments.
Sources: The Boeing Company
Photo Credit: Boeing
Defense & Military
AFRL Awards $6M Contract for Long-Range Grasshopper System
AFRL awards DZYNE Technologies $6M+ to advance the Long-Range Grasshopper autonomous aerial delivery system for USAF ACE operations.
On August 6, 2026, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) awarded a contract valued at more than $6 million to DZYNE Technologies to advance the Long-Range Grasshopper autonomous aerial delivery system. The agreement accelerates the development of low-cost logistics capabilities designed to support the United States Air Force (USAF) Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts in contested environments.
According to a press release issued by Ondas Inc., the parent company of DZYNE Technologies, the contract marks a key integration milestone for its newly formed Ondas Sentinel defense division. Ondas acquired DZYNE on July 6, 2026, to build an autonomous defense platform focused on persistent intelligence and aerial security.
Advancing autonomous logistics for contested environments
The mature Grasshopper glider architecture has successfully delivered payloads of up to 500 pounds during operational use. The system is designed to provide scalable resupply options where traditional logistics chains may be compromised or unavailable.
Between 2024 and 2025, AFRL and DZYNE engineering teams conducted a comprehensive flight test campaign. This testing validated the system’s autonomous deployment, jet-engine air-start, extended-range navigation, and precision payload delivery capabilities.
Ryan Hartman, Chief Executive Officer of Ondas Sentinel, stated that long-range, low-cost autonomous delivery is a mission imperative for future conflicts.
“AFRL’s continued partnership underscores the Long-Range Grasshopper’s transformative potential. With this technology and team now fully integrated into Ondas Sentinel, we are advancing a capability that directly strengthens resilient, distributed sustainment for contested operations,” Hartman said.
Strategic expansion of the Ondas Sentinel portfolio
The AFRL contract follows a series of recent defense acquisitions and contract awards for Ondas Inc. The company established Ondas Sentinel following the July 6 acquisition of DZYNE Technologies, integrating the subsidiary’s engineering personnel and autonomous logistics technology into its broader defense portfolio.
Eric Brock, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ondas Inc., noted the strategic value of the award. He stated the contract validates the company’s strategy to build a defense platform addressing urgent national security challenges.
“By bringing DZYNE’s proven engineering talent and advanced autonomous logistics capabilities into Ondas Sentinel, we are expanding the depth and scale of our defense portfolio while creating new opportunities to support U.S. and allied customers,” Brock said.
The AFRL award adds to a growing backlog of defense orders for the company. On July 20, 2026, Ondas secured a $6.9 million order from the Australian Defence Force for Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (Counter-UAS) solutions. Shortly after, on August 5, 2026, the company announced a U.S. Army order for lethal unmanned systems valued at over $50 million.
AirPro News analysis
The $6 million AFRL contract for the Long-Range Grasshopper highlights a growing USAF requirement for distributed logistics. As the military shifts toward ACE doctrines, the ability to resupply dispersed forces without risking crewed aircraft or relying on vulnerable traditional supply lines becomes critical. We view Ondas Inc.’s rapid succession of contract announcements in July and August 2026 as a clear indicator of the defense sector’s appetite for scalable, autonomous systems. By integrating DZYNE Technologies into Ondas Sentinel, the company is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the autonomous logistics and uncrewed aerial systems market.
Sources: Ondas Inc. / DZYNE Technologies
Photo Credit: DZYNE Technologies
-
MRO & Manufacturing4 days agoBell Textron Marks 75 Years in Fort Worth Amid MV-75 and 525 Push
-
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries6 days agoYakovlev MC-21-310 Completes Maiden Flight at Irkutsk Plant
-
Regulations & Safety2 days agoICAO AFI Aviation Week 2026 Outcomes Cairo Summit
-
Technology & Innovation5 days agoHanwha Aerospace Ends $318M VX4 eVTOL Supply Deal
-
MRO & Manufacturing7 days agoCoulson Aviation Launches CFR HALO Fire Retardant