An Enhanced Su-27 with Su-35 Avionics: How Capable is Russia’s Su-27SM3 Air Superiority Fighter?

An Enhanced Su-27 with Su-35 Avionics: How Capable is Russia’s Su-27SM3 Air Superiority Fighter?

Entering service in the Soviet Air Force and in the Soviet Air Defence Forces in 1984, the Su-27 Flanker was considered the most capable air superiority fighter developed during the Cold War era. After its unveiling caused significant concern in the Western world, the Flanker’s considerable advantages over rival fighters was subsequently confirmed during the 1990s after intensive testing in the United States against U.S. Air Force F-15s. Althoug…