Decoding China’s Su-35 Purchase: Why China Needed Russia’s Advanced Fighter Jets

In 2015, China raised eyebrows when it became the first international buyer of Russia’s Su-35 “Flanker-E” fighter jets. The purchase of 24 aircraft, finalized in a deal worth over $2.5 billion,wasn’t just about acquiring advanced hardware; it was a calculated move to address immediate capability gaps and bolster China’s long-term aerospace ambitions. The Su-35 provided the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) with a mature, highly maneuverable 4++ generation fighter while China’s own J-20 and J-35 stealth fighters were still in development. Critically, it also granted China access to advanced Russian military technology, particularly the Su-35’s AL-41F1S turbofan engines, to inform and accelerate its own indigenous aerospace programs.

The Strategic Imperative Behind China’s Su-35 Acquisition

The decision to acquire the Su-35 was multifaceted, driven by operational needs, technological aspirations, and geopolitical considerations. At the time of the deal, China was actively developing its fifth-generation stealth fighters, the Chengdu J-20 and Shenyang J-35. However, thes aircraft were not yet fully operational, and the PLAAF required a combat-ready platform to enhance its air superiority in the near term.

The Su-35, with its thrust-vectoring engines, long operational range, advanced radar systems, and substantial weapons payload, offered an immediate boost to China’s air combat capabilities. This acquisition allowed china to bridge the gap while its indigenous fighters underwent further refinement. According to a 2023 report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China’s defense spending has steadily increased, reflecting its commitment to modernizing its military capabilities SIPRI.

Did You No? The Su-35 is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2.25, making it one of the fastest fighter jets in service today.

technological Gains and Reverse Engineering

Beyond immediate operational needs, the Su-35 served as a valuable source of advanced military technology.China has a history of reverse engineering foreign military equipment,and the Su-35 provided access to several key technologies. The AL-41F1S turbofan engine, more advanced than China’s domestically produced WS-10 engines, was of particular interest.

By studying the Su-35’s engine and aerodynamic design, Chinese engineers coudl accelerate the development of their own next-generation aircraft. This approach of acquiring foreign systems to inform domestic innovation has long been a cornerstone of China’s defense strategy. A 2022 study in the Journal of Strategic Studies highlighted that technology transfer, both legal and illicit, has played a notable role in China’s military modernization Journal of Strategic Studies.

Geopolitical and Economic Dimensions

The purchase of the Su-35 also served to strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Russia. Following the 2014 Ukraine crisis and the subsequent deterioration of Russia’s relations with the west, moscow sought to deepen ties with Beijing. The Su-35 deal was a tangible expression of this alignment. For Russia,it provided a much-needed boost to its defense industry. For China, it demonstrated political solidarity with Russia and signaled to the West that it had alternative sources of advanced military technology.

from a logistical standpoint, the Su-35 made sense for the PLAAF. China already operated several variants of the Su-27 and Su-30, which share a common design lineage with the Su-35. This meant that the new aircraft could be integrated into existing maintenance and training systems with relative ease. Pilots and ground crews familiar with earlier Russian models could transition to the Su-35 with minimal additional training, reducing the time and cost required to bring the aircraft into service.

Pro Tip: When analyzing military acquisitions, consider the broader geopolitical context and the potential for technology transfer.

The Su-35’s Role in China’s Military Modernization

China’s acquisition of the Su-35 was never intended to create long-term dependence on Russian military hardware. The purchase was a calculated move to address short-term needs and support long-term goals. The Su-35s were seen as a transitional asset, useful for filling immediate capability gaps, supporting training and doctrine development, and providing leverage in future negotiations with Russia or other suppliers.

Chinese analysts have noted that the Su-35 is too expensive to replace older aircraft like the J-7 and J-8 on a large scale. Instead, those roles are expected to be filled by newer domestic platforms such as the J-10C, J-16, and eventually the J-20.The Su-35 purchase provided a benchmark against which Chinese engineers could measure their own progress. By analyzing the aircraft’s systems and performance, they could identify areas for improvement and innovation.

The Su-35’s long range and advanced combat systems made it particularly well-suited for operations in contested areas such as the South China Sea and the Taiwan strait. These regions are central to China’s national security interests, and the ability to project air power over long distances was a key consideration. The su-35’s capabilities enhanced China’s deterrence posture and provided a qualitative edge over many regional air forces.

Key Specifications of the Su-35 Fighter Jet

The Su-35 purchase also aligned with China’s broader industrial strategy. While the country has made significant progress in aerospace manufacturing, certain technological bottlenecks, particularly in engine development, persist. The Su-35 provided a benchmark against which Chinese engineers could measure their own progress.

By analyzing the aircraft’s systems and performance, they could identify areas for improvement and innovation. This process of benchmarking and iterative development is a hallmark of China’s approach to military modernization. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), China’s focus on indigenous innovation is a key driver of its military advancements CSIS.

what impact do you think China’s military modernization will have on global security? How might other countries respond to China’s growing military capabilities?

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