The first serial Su-35 fighters will be delivered to the Russian air forces by the end of 2012, ITAR-TASS reports. It has been stated by the Ministry of Defense. At present the Akhtyubinsk test center is completing the jet’s testing.

Su-35 is the 4++-generation fighter. It is a vast modernization of Su-27SM3: it has a new wing, new engine, new avionics and new control system.

Su-35 uses air-to-air missiles and a number of air-to-surface weapons.

The jet is able to perform tasks connected with gaining the air supremacy, provision of air support; it may take part in any conflict and perform area interdiction.

As noted by the Ministry of Defense, the fleet of Su-27 fighters, which are currently being operated, has been modernized by 50%. The modernized Su-27SМ3 has new ergonomics, improved control system and new on-board weapon system, which allows using the whole nomenclature of weapons.