The MiG-35 is a new derivative of the familiar MiG-29 and has the distinction of being the first big-ticket project funded by the Russian Air and Space Force (RuASF), established in 2015.
The MiG-35 was presented by UAC President, Yury Slusar; UAC’s Designer General, Sergey Korotkov; and RSK MiG’s chief test pilot, Mikhail Belyaev to Russian President Valdimir Putin on January 26 in a video conference. Watching alongside from the Kremlin was Deputy Prime Minister, Dmitry Rogozin, and Defence Minister, Sergey Shoigu.
A day later, the aircraft presentation was repeated, this time as a live event for VIP foreign guests from 30 countries and representatives of the Russian media at RSK MiG’s Lukhovitsi facility.
A newly built single-seater, serialled 702, was shown on static display, while a twoseater, serialled 712 and designated as the MiG-35UB, made a short display flight.
The two aircraft were referred to as preproduction aircraft for testing and evaluation. They are known to have taken to the air for the first time last November, but this fact was kept from public attention in anticipation of an official unveiling.
DESIGN EVOLVES
The MiG-35, as presented on January 27, is regarded as a very different air…
