11 Top Russian Fighter Jets 2024

The legacy of Soviet and Russian aviation is one of fierce competition, technological innovation, and a relentless pursuit of military superiority. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the Soviet Union and its successor state, Russia, have produced some of the world’s most formidable fighter jets, each designed to counter the latest advancements of their Western adversaries. From the iconic Sukhoi and MiG platforms to the cutting-edge fifth-generation stealth fighters, Russian aviation has left an indelible mark on the global military landscape.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the rich history, technological prowess, and combat records of the 11 Top Russian Fighter Jets 2024. These aircraft have not only served as symbols of national pride but have also played pivotal roles in shaping the geopolitical landscape, from the Soviet-Afghan War to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. By understanding the evolution and capabilities of these remarkable machines, we can gain insights into the strategic thinking and engineering brilliance that have defined Russian military aviation.

1. Sukhoi Su-24

Introduced to the Soviet Air Forces in 1974, the Sukhoi Su-24 was a groundbreaking design that combined supersonic speed, all-weather capabilities, and a twin-seat configuration. Designed as a tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, the Su-24 quickly proved its versatility in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War and the First Chechen War.

The Su-24’s variable-sweep wing design and powerful engines allowed it to excel in low-level penetration and precision strikes, making it a formidable asset in the Soviet and, later, Russian air forces. Despite its age, the Su-24 has remained in service, with plans to gradually phase it out in favor of the more advanced Sukhoi Su-35.

Technological Advancements

• Variable-sweep wing design for improved aerodynamics and maneuverability
• Sophisticated navigation and targeting systems for all-weather operations
• Powerful engines capable of supersonic speeds

Combat Deployments

• Extensively used in the Soviet-Afghan War, launching numerous missile strikes
• Employed by Russia in the First Chechen War against Chechen separatists
• Continues to serve in the Russian Air Force, with plans for gradual phaseout

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2. Sukhoi Su-25

As a follow-up to the successful Su-24, the Sukhoi Su-25 offered similar capabilities with several key improvements. Introduced to the Soviet Air Forces in 1981, the Su-25 was designed as a dedicated ground-attack aircraft, capable of providing close air support and precision strikes.

The Su-25’s robust design and impressive firepower made it a formidable asset in various conflicts, including the Soviet-Afghan War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Gulf War. Russia has also extensively utilized the Su-25 in the First and Second Chechen Wars, showcasing its effectiveness against ground targets and its resilience in the face of enemy fire.

Technological Advancements

• Improved avionics and targeting systems for enhanced precision
• Reinforced airframe and armor protection for increased survivability
• Diverse array of air-to-ground and air-to-air weaponry

Combat Deployments

• Extensively used by the Soviet Air Force in the Afghan War, launching over 100 missile strikes
• Employed by the Iraqi Air Force during the Iran-Iraq War, with high success rates
• Utilized by the Russian Air Force in the First and Second Chechen Wars against separatist forces

3. Sukhoi Su-27

The Sukhoi Su-27 was introduced in 1985 as a direct response to the United States’ F-15 Eagle. Designed as a highly capable air superiority fighter, the Su-27 quickly gained a reputation for its maneuverability, speed, and advanced avionics.

While Ukraine inherited a substantial fleet of Su-27s following the collapse of the Soviet Union, it did not choose to modernize the aircraft, leading to their gradual retirement. In contrast, Russia has continued to utilize the Su-27, deploying it during conflicts with Georgia in 1992 and in its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War.

Technological Advancements

• Powerful engines and aerodynamic design for exceptional maneuverability
• Advanced radar and avionics systems for air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities
• Compatibility with a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles

Combat Deployments

• Deployed by Russia during the conflict with Georgia in 1992
• Utilized by Russia in its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, with the modernized Su-27SM3 variant
• Licensed and developed by China as the Shenyang J-11, remaining in service since 1999

4. Sukhoi Su-30

Developed in the late 1980s during the final years of the Soviet Union, the Sukhoi Su-30 entered service with the Russian Air Force after the dissolution of the USSR. This multirole fighter jet has since been exported to several countries, including China, Malaysia, and India, each with their own unique variants.

The Su-30 has seen active combat use, notably in Russia’s military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, where it conducted strikes in support of the Assad regime. Its combination of advanced avionics, long-range capabilities, and versatile armament have made it a valuable asset in modern air warfare.

Technological Advancements

• Canard design for enhanced maneuverability and agility
• Compatibility with a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons
• Highly capable avionics and sensors for multi-role operations

Combat Deployments

• Utilized by Russia in its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, conducting strikes against ISIS and other opposition forces
• Exported to China, Malaysia, and India, each with their own unique variants tailored to their specific requirements

5. Sukhoi Su-34

The Sukhoi Su-34 is a dedicated strike fighter that first flew as a prototype in 1990, just a year before the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The Su-34’s development was delayed for a significant period due to the political and economic upheaval that followed, but it eventually made its debut with the Russian Air Force in 2014.

The Su-34 has since seen active combat use in the Syrian Civil War, where it has been employed against both ISIS and other opposition forces. Unlike some of its predecessors, the Su-34 has not yet been widely exported, with Algeria being the only confirmed foreign operator, though the details of this acquisition remain unconfirmed.

Technological Advancements

• Tandem-seat configuration for enhanced crew coordination and situational awareness
• Sophisticated avionics and targeting systems for precision strikes
• Ability to carry a wide range of air-to-ground and air-to-air munitions

Combat Deployments

• Utilized by the Russian Air Force in its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, conducting strikes against ISIS and other opposition forces
• Rumored to have been acquired by Algeria, though the details of this acquisition remain unconfirmed

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6. Sukhoi Su-35

The Sukhoi Su-35 is a fourth-generation fighter jet that was developed during the final years of the Soviet Union and saw its first operational use in 2014, more than 15 years after its initial conception. Despite the delays, the Su-35 has gone on to become a highly sought-after export, with Algeria, Indonesia, and China all placing orders for the aircraft.

Like many of its Sukhoi counterparts, the Su-35 has been actively employed by the Russian Air Force during its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, with several units stationed at the Khmeimim Air Base in Syria.

Technological Advancements

• Advanced avionics and sensor suite, including an AESA radar system
• Highly maneuverable airframe with supercruise capabilities
• Compatibility with a wide range of modern air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles

Combat Deployments

• Utilized by the Russian Air Force in its military intervention in the Syrian Civil War, with several units stationed at the Khmeimim Air Base
• Exported to Algeria, Indonesia, and China, reflecting the aircraft’s global appeal

7. Sukhoi Su-57

The Sukhoi Su-57 represents Russia’s answer to the United States’ fifth-generation fighter jets, such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II. As the first Russian aircraft to feature stealth capabilities, the Su-57 is designed to combine speed, maneuverability, and advanced avionics to counter the latest threats in the air domain.

The Su-57 was first made ready for the Russian government in 2019 and is set to make its debut as an active fighter jet in the Russian Air Force in 2020, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing arms race between the United States and Russia.

Technological Advancements

• Stealth design features to reduce the aircraft’s radar cross-section
• Advanced avionics and sensor suite, including active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
• Exceptional speed and maneuverability for air superiority and strike missions

Combat Deployments

• Scheduled to enter active service with the Russian Air Force in 2020, as the country’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet
• Intended to counter the latest advancements in Western fighter jet technology, particularly the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II

8. Mikoyan MiG-29

Developed in the late 1970s as a direct response to the United States’ F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Mikoyan MiG-29 was originally designed with air superiority in mind. However, the Soviet Air Forces soon adapted the MiG-29 to serve as a multirole fighter, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine inherited a substantial fleet of MiG-29s, which it has since employed against Russian separatists during the ongoing War in Donbass. Despite facing advanced Western fighters, the MiG-29 has proven its resilience and lethality in the hands of skilled pilots.

Technological Advancements

• Powerful engines and aerodynamic design for exceptional maneuverability
• Advanced radar and avionics systems for air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities
• Compatibility with a wide range of modern air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles

Combat Deployments

• Utilized by the Soviet Air Forces and later the Ukrainian Air Force in various conflicts
• Employed by Ukraine against Russian separatists during the ongoing War in Donbass, with some MiG-29s shot down in combat

9. Mikoyan MiG-31

First introduced in 1981, the Mikoyan MiG-31 stands out as one of the longest-serving fighter jets in the world, with the Russian military envisioning its continued use into the 2030s. The MiG-31 boasts several impressive superlatives, including being one of the fastest fighter jets in the world and one of the few capable of firing long-range air-to-air missiles.

Unlike other MiG aircraft on this list, the MiG-31 has not seen extensive exportation, with Kazakhstan being the only other military confirmed to operate the aircraft. Syria has attempted to purchase the MiG-31 in the past, but socio-economic and political factors have reportedly stalled these sales.

Technological Advancements

• Exceptional speed, with reports of it being one of the fastest fighter jets in the world
• Ability to fire long-range air-to-air missiles, a capability shared by only a few other fighter jets
• Advanced avionics and sensor suite for long-range detection and engagement

Combat Deployments

• Primarily operated by the Russian Air Force, with plans to keep the MiG-31 in service until the 2030s
• Kazakhstan is the only other military confirmed to use the MiG-31, with Syria’s past attempts to purchase the aircraft stalled

10. Mikoyan MiG-35

The Mikoyan MiG-35 is one of the most recent additions to the Russian Air Force’s arsenal, having entered active service in 2019. Introduced in 2007 at the Aero India air show, the MiG-35 is seen as a significant upgrade over the older MiG-31, with its precision-targeting capabilities and compatibility with AESA radar systems.

Both single-seat and two-seat versions of the MiG-35 are currently in use, reflecting its versatility as a multirole fighter. Despite its recency, the MiG-35 has not yet seen combat or been exported for use by other countries, though Egypt has shown interest in the past.

Technological Advancements

• Precision-targeting capabilities for enhanced air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
• Compatibility with AESA radar systems for improved detection and tracking
• Powerful twin-engine configuration with FADEC-controlled RD-33MK engines

Combat Deployments

• Has not yet seen active combat, as it is a relatively new addition to the Russian Air Force
• Potential for future export, with Egypt having shown interest in acquiring the MiG-35

11. Mikoyan MiG-17

Let’s take a step back in time and explore one of the earliest Russian fighter jets, the Mikoyan MiG-17. First introduced in 1952, the MiG-17 enjoyed an extensive operational history, serving with the Soviet, Chinese, and, most notably, the Vietnamese Air Forces.

The Vietnam War saw some of the MiG-17’s most famous combat deployments, as North Vietnamese pilots used the aircraft to engage the United States Air Force in various engagements throughout the conflict. Despite the technological superiority of American fighters, the North Vietnamese were still able to achieve success with their nimble and reliable MiG-17s.

Technological Advancements

• Relatively simple and robust design, contributing to its longevity and reliability
• Capable of reaching supersonic speeds, a significant advancement for the time
• Armament consisting of air-to-air missiles and cannons for air-to-air combat

Combat Deployments

• Extensively used by the Soviet, Chinese, and Vietnamese Air Forces, with the Vietnam War seeing some of its most famous engagements
• North Vietnamese pilots were able to effectively employ the MiG-17 against the technologically superior American fighters

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Conclusion

The rich history of Russian fighter jet development is a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to military aviation and its determination to maintain technological parity with its Western adversaries. From the iconic Sukhoi and MiG platforms to the cutting-edge stealth fighters of the modern era, these aircraft have not only served as symbols of national pride but have also played pivotal roles in shaping the global balance of power.

As the arms race between the United States and Russia continues, the evolution of Russian fighter jet technology will undoubtedly remain a critical area of focus. The ability of these aircraft to adapt to changing operational environments, counter the latest advancements in Western aviation, and project Russian military might on the global stage will continue to be a defining feature of the country’s defense strategy.

By understanding the capabilities, combat histories, and technological innovations of the top 11 best Russian fighter jets, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the ingenuity, resilience, and strategic vision that have defined the country’s aviation industry. As the world continues to witness the ongoing developments in this domain, the legacy of Russian fighter jets will undoubtedly remain a subject of fascination and respect.

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