Armed with longer-range missiles, a top Russian fighter jet is posing a bigger threat, analyst says

"Russia's Su-35 fighter jets are increasingly flying with longer-range air-to-air missiles that make them a potentially greater threat to NATO air operations, a leading airpower expert assessed in a recent report. Justin Bronk, a researcher at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute, said in his assessment of Russian air power that regularly arming Su-35 and Su-30SM2 jets with R-37M missiles "has significantly contributed to increasing the threat that they can theoretically pose to NATO air operations.""

"R-77-1 missiles have a range of about 62 miles, while R-37M missiles are understood to have a range of around 200 miles. Real-world kills at range depend on a mix of factors, but reach still matters. The longer-range R-37M missiles had been "very much a specialist weapon" for a limited selection of Russian jets. But "now you see absolutely routine employment" of the weapon on Russia's Su-35S."

Russian Su-35 and Su-30SM2 fighters are increasingly carrying R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles. The R-37M has an estimated range of about 200 miles versus roughly 62 miles for R-77-1 missiles. Routine employment on Su-35S expands the missile's role from a specialist armament to a common loadout. Longer-range missiles increase the theoretical threat to NATO aircraft, although actual engagement outcomes depend on detection, tracking, electronic warfare, and other factors. Combat experience in Ukraine is improving Russian crews and air defenses, enhancing survivability and operational effectiveness of these fighters. The Su-35 is the primary Russian air superiority platform and is regarded as the most advanced combat jet in widespread Russian service.

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