American military experts admitted that the Russian Sukhoi Su-35 (Flanker-E) fighter surpasses its competitors from all countries, including the United States, Voyennoye Obozreniye (Military Review) news website reports.
The Su-35 is a supermaneuverable fighter of the 4++ generation whose serial production began in 2008. It came into service five years ago. In particular, The National Interest, an American military analytical publication, notes that the Su-35 will easily beat the F-16 Fighting Falcon in battle. However, the F-22 Raptor fighter might still surpass the Russian-made aircraft. The F-22 is the first fifth-generation fighter in the U.S. Air Force (has been used since 2005).
At the same time, experts recall a case when a Su-35 jet reportedly intercepted a U.S. F-22 Raptor over Syria. This made them doubt that the F-22 can still be considered a stealth aircraft. Others believe that the F-22 was seen by the Russian plane only because it had no intention to hide.
Su-35 aircraft are currently in service in Russia and China. In 2019, Russia might receive the newest fifth-generation Su-57 fighter.