Russian fighter jets have long been a formidable force in global military aviation. As of 2024, Russia’s air power significantly outmatches that of Ukraine, with over 13 times more aircraft overall and 809 fighter jets compared to Ukraine’s 72.1
Russian jets like the Su-57 and Su-35 remain at the forefront of military technology, incorporating advanced stealth capabilities and superior maneuverability.
Here are 15 Russian fighter jets of 2024 that have shaped global military dynamics and continue to influence modern aerial warfare.
1. Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 is Russia’s premier fifth-generation fighter jet, designed to compete with the likes of the F-22 Raptor. This stealthy multirole aircraft combines cutting-edge technology with impressive performance capabilities, making it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Features:
- Stealth design with internal weapons bays
- Advanced AESA radar system
- Supercruise capability
- Thrust-vectoring engines for enhanced maneuverability
- Top speed of Mach 2
2. Sukhoi Su-35
The Su-35 is a heavily upgraded variant of the Su-27, incorporating advanced avionics and improved engine performance. This 4++ generation fighter excels in air superiority roles and has proven its worth in various combat theaters.
Features:
- Powerful AL-41F1S engines with thrust vectoring
- Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar
- 12 hardpoints for a diverse weapons loadout
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.25
- Combat radius of 994 miles
3. Mikoyan MiG-35
As the latest iteration of the MiG-29 family, the MiG-35 brings fourth-generation fighter design into the modern era. This multirole aircraft boasts enhanced avionics and weapons systems, making it a versatile platform for various mission profiles.
Features:
- AESA radar for improved target detection and tracking
- Optical locator system for passive detection
- Thrust-vectoring engines for superior maneuverability
- Nine hardpoints for weapons and external fuel tanks
- Max speed of Mach 2.25
4. Sukhoi Su-34
The Su-34 is a formidable strike fighter, designed to deliver precision munitions deep into enemy territory. With its distinctive side-by-side seating arrangement and impressive range, it’s become a crucial asset in Russia’s air force.
Features:
- Phazotron B-004 passive electronically scanned array radar
- 12 hardpoints for up to 8.8 tons of ordnance
- Crew armor protection and pressurized cockpit
- Combat radius of 684 miles
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.8
5. Mikoyan MiG-31
Known as the “Foxhound” to NATO, the MiG-31 is a supersonic interceptor designed to patrol Russia’s vast airspace. Its incredible speed and powerful radar make it ideal for intercepting both high and low-flying targets.
Features:
- Zaslon phased array radar with 200 km detection range
- Four R-33 long-range air-to-air missiles
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.83
- Service ceiling of 20,600 meters
- Combat radius of 447 miles
6. Sukhoi Su-30SM
The Su-30SM is a two-seat multirole fighter, known for its exceptional maneuverability and long-range capabilities. It’s become a popular export model, serving in several air forces around the world.
Features:
- Bars-R passive electronically scanned array radar
- Canards and thrust-vectoring for enhanced agility
- 12 hardpoints for various weapons configurations
- Maximum speed of Mach 2
- Combat radius of 932 miles
7. Mikoyan MiG-29
Despite its age, the MiG-29 remains a capable fighter in Russia’s arsenal. This agile aircraft excels in close-range dogfights and has been continuously upgraded to maintain its effectiveness on the modern battlefield.
Features:
- N019 pulse-Doppler radar
- Helmet-mounted sight for off-boresight missile targeting
- Seven hardpoints for weapons and fuel tanks
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.25
- Combat radius of 441 miles
8. Sukhoi Su-27
The Su-27 is the backbone of Russia’s air superiority fleet. Its distinctive design and impressive performance have made it an icon of Russian aerospace engineering, spawning numerous variants and upgrades.
Features:
- N001 pulse-Doppler radar
- 10 hardpoints for air-to-air missiles and bombs
- Infrared search and track system
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.35
- Combat radius of 833 miles
9. Sukhoi Su-25
Known as the “Frogfoot” to NATO, the Su-25 is a rugged ground attack aircraft designed to provide close air support to troops on the ground. Its durability and powerful armament make it a feared opponent on the battlefield.
Features:
- Heavily armored cockpit and critical systems
- 11 hardpoints for up to 4.8 tons of ordnance
- 30mm GSh-30-2 cannon
- Maximum speed of 590 mi/h
- Combat radius of 466 miles
10. Mikoyan MiG-25
Though largely retired, the MiG-25 “Foxbat” deserves mention for its incredible speed and high-altitude performance. This interceptor and reconnaissance aircraft could outrun most threats it encountered.
Features:
- Maximum speed of Mach 3.2 (though limited to Mach 2.83 in operations)
- Service ceiling of 78,740 feet
- Four R-40 long-range air-to-air missiles
- Powerful RP-25 Smerch-A radar
- Range of 1,075 miles
11. Sukhoi Su-24
The Su-24 “Fencer” is a supersonic, all-weather attack aircraft with variable-sweep wings. Despite its age, it remains an important part of Russia’s strike capability, able to deliver precision munitions at low altitudes.
Features:
- Variable-sweep wing for optimized performance
- Orion-A attack radar and PNS-24M nav/attack system
- Eight hardpoints for up to 8.8 tons of ordnance
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.35 at low altitude
- Combat radius of 382 miles
12. Yakovlev Yak-130
While primarily a trainer, the Yak-130 is also capable of light attack missions. Its advanced avionics allow it to simulate the performance of various fighter jets, making it an invaluable tool for pilot training.
Features:
- Nine hardpoints for up to 3.3 tons of weapons
- Ability to replicate flight characteristics of modern fighters
- Glass cockpit with three multi-function displays
- Maximum speed of 658 mi/h
- Range of 1,305 miles
13. Sukhoi Su-33
The Su-33 is a carrier-based variant of the Su-27, designed for operations from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. Its folding wings and reinforced landing gear make it suitable for the challenging naval environment.
Features:
- Folding wings and horizontal stabilizers for carrier storage
- Reinforced undercarriage for carrier landings
- 12 hardpoints for air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.17
- Combat radius of 621 miles
14. Mikoyan MiG-23
Though no longer in frontline service with Russia, the MiG-23 “Flogger” was a significant fighter in its time. Its variable-sweep wings allowed for good performance across a wide speed range.
Features:
- Variable-sweep wing design
- RP-23 Sapfir-23 radar
- Seven hardpoints for weapons
- Maximum speed of Mach 2.35
- Combat radius of 715 miles
15. Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut
The Su-47 was an experimental fighter jet featuring a unique forward-swept wing design. While it never entered production, it served as a testbed for technologies later incorporated into other Russian fighters.
Features:
- Forward-swept wings for enhanced maneuverability
- Composite materials for reduced weight
- Thrust-vectoring engines
- Maximum speed of Mach 1.6
- High angle of attack capability
Russian fighter jets continue to push the boundaries of aerospace technology. These aircraft represent not just military might but also the pinnacle of Russian engineering prowess.
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
