The Sukhoi Su-35 (NATO code: Flanker-E) is a Russian multi-role, heavyweight, long-range, single-seat fighter aircraft. It was developed from the Su-27, and was originally named the Su-27M.[6] It was developed to rival the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. Due to the similarity of features and components it contains, the Su-35 is considered a close cousin of the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, a variant of the Su-30 produced for India.[7]

This aircraft itself is the last flanker series and is a generation gap filler between generation 4 and generation 5, can be included in generation 4++.[8]

The initial Su-35 aircraft was later redeveloped into the Su-35BM, which entered production as the Su-35S.[9] The Russian Air Force currently operates 12 Su-35 fighters since 2008.[2]