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Russian Su-35 and Su-30SM2 fighters are increasingly being equipped with R-37M air-to-air missiles. Their range reaches up to 320 km and significantly exceeds the capabilities of the previous R-77-1 missiles.
Main theses:
- Russia is arming its fighters with new R-37M missiles with impressive characteristics that pose a threat to NATO countries.
- The integration of new missiles increases the potential effectiveness of Russian aircraft in air combat and makes the Su-35 fighter jets key to Russia's strategy.
Russia is arming Su-35 and Su-30SM2 fighters with new missiles
This was stated by expert Justin Bronk from the Royal United Services Institute.
According to him, previously, R-37M missiles (NATO reporting name RS-AA-13 — ed.) were used mainly on MiG-31 interceptors. However, they are now regularly installed on Su-35S fighters, which Russia sees as key aircraft for achieving air superiority.
Main characteristics:
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The maximum launch range is more than 300 km;
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Flight speed — 6M;
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The flight speed of the targets being hit is 2,500 km/h;
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Rocket length — 4.2 m;
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Fuselage diameter — 0.38 m;
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Starting mass — 600 kg;
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The weight of the warhead is 60 kg.
The guidance system is inertial with radio correction and active radar guidance in the final trajectory.
The expert notes that the integration of these missiles with ground-based air defense systems increases the complexity of air operations for Western air forces.
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In addition, the combat experience gained by Russian pilots during the war against Ukraine has increased their level of training and potential effectiveness in future conflicts.
Despite the loss of some aircraft during a full-scale invasion, he estimates that Russia currently has about 135-140 fighters. The long range of the R-37M missiles and their integration with air defense systems make these aircraft a significant factor in potential conflicts, especially in air-to-ground engagements.
At the same time, the expert emphasized that Western countries retain significant air superiority, but new Russian capabilities significantly complicate the tactical situation for NATO.