Reference News website reported on June 17 that the article titled "Rare Russian MiG-35 Fighter Jet Is Just Getting Started" was published on the website of the US National Interest bimonthly on June 15. The author is Brandon Vachette. Compiled as follows: Russia is proving itself to be a true great power with a strong defense industry base, and contrary to Western military strategists' expectations, sanctions cannot contain Russia. The Russian side has mastered the technical ability to upgrade old weapon systems into key equipment for modern battlefields. The MiG-35, a fourth-plus-generation multi-role fighter jet, is one such example. Russia is striving to make this model a weapons system that poses a significant threat to NATO forces. This aircraft model was designed by the Mikoyan Design Bureau of Russia. The MiG-35 fighter jet evolved from the Soviet-era legendary MiG-29 series. Russia positions it as a technical bridge between the fourth and fifth generation fighters. Its core strategy is to counter more modern NATO mainstay fighters in service, such as Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II fighter jets and F-16 Fighting Falcons. The MiG-35 made its first international appearance at the 2017 Moscow Air Show and has been in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces since 2019. Powered by two Klimov RD-33MK afterburning turbofan engines, it can achieve a maximum speed of 2.25 Mach and an operational radius of approximately 1,242 miles (about 2,000 kilometers) without external fuel tanks. Its advanced fly-by-wire system and high maneuverability enable it to excel in air superiority missions, while its compatibility with various air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions enhances its multi-role potential. One of the standout features of the MiG-35 is its "Beech Tree-AE" Active Electronically Scanned Array radar produced by Russia's Phazotron NRI. It is reported that this radar can simultaneously detect and track up to 30 targets at a distance of about 100 miles. Combined with modern electronic warfare systems, this radar provides enhanced situational awareness and anti-jamming capabilities. The aircraft also incorporates low observable design elements such as radar-absorbent coatings, although its stealth capability does not yet meet the standards of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 or Su-57. These characteristics make the MiG-35 a multi-purpose combat platform, designed to strike both aerial and ground targets simultaneously in high-intensity contested environments. The development of the MiG-35 has dual purposes. One is to modernize the Russian Air Force while attracting export customers, especially in regions where cost factors outweigh the need for advanced stealth technology. When it comes to countering NATO, the development goals of the MiG-35 are clearly aimed at widely deployed F-16s and Eurofighter Typhoon fighters, while also considering countermeasures against the F-35. The MiG-35 emphasizes maneuverability, cost-effectiveness, and higher pilot operation thresholds, which aligns with Russia's overall combat theory in air combat scenarios, preferring maneuverability over stealth effects. More importantly, the MiG-35's combat capabilities in high-density airspace such as Ukraine theoretically make it adaptable to NATO air combat operations, which pose a major threat with their highly systematized air defense networks. Nevertheless, the limited combat history of the MiG-35 highlights its difficulties in effectively competing. Although this model entered service in 2019, it is estimated that only a few dozen units have been delivered to the Russian Aerospace Forces, possibly fewer than 10. Therefore, out of a desire to protect Russia's best aerial assets, the operational use of this aircraft is limited. There are reports that the deployment of the MiG-35 in Ukraine is rare. At the large-scale annual victory parade commemorating World War II held by Russia in May, the MiG-35 was sent to defend Moscow from drone attacks. This lack of combat testing raises questions about its reliability and effectiveness in actual combat environments, particularly when compared with the F-16, which has a rich combat record including the Gulf War and multiple military actions in the Middle East. However, today, with Russia's defense industry base operating at its most effective production level since the Cold War era, Russia is committed to ensuring the MiG-35 receives a fair competitive opportunity. Moscow expressed hope to integrate more systems from the Su-57 into the MiG-35 to enhance its competitiveness. Efforts are currently underway to promote the batch production of this system, making it more suitable for frontline combat operations. The United States should expect more MiG-35s to enter service in the future, with increasing deployment frequency and technological complexity far exceeding that of previous models. (Compiled/translated by Yang Ke) Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7516752997855920676/ Disclaimer: This article solely represents the views of the author. Welcome to express your opinions by clicking the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.