The Su-35 is known as a 4++ generation aircraft, which employs fifth generation technology, rendering it superior to other fourth generation fighters currently under development. The Su-35 is also a more reliable option than other fifth generation planes which are in their development phase, the best known of which are the US F-35, the Chinese J-20, and the Sukhoi PAK-FA [T-50].
The PAK-FA is due to finish testing and enter into production in 2016, after which 55 PAK-FA jets will be delivered to the Russian Air Force.
The Su-35, currently the Russian Air Force's most advanced fighter, first caught the eye of buyers and the public at the Paris Air Show in June 2013, where pilots displayed the aircraft's impressive acrobatic capabilities, including the Pugachev Cobra maneuver.
According to Kramnik, Russian negotiators, originally seeking to export a larger order of 48 planes, are also negotiating safeguards in the event that China makes a copy of its plane, as was the case with its Su-27 fighter jet, which was copied by the Chinese J-11 jet.
Other potential buyers include Pakistan and Brazil, with Kramnik also referring to figures from manufacturer Polet, which makes parts for the Su-35, showing increased production of its onboard system in order to fulfil orders for a total of 60 aircraft from Vietnam, Venezuela and Indonesia.
The Indian Air Force revealed the enhanced capabilities of the Su-30 in a 2004 training exercise between the US and India; Indian pilots in the Su-30 were able to outmaneuver the US F-15s and win more than 90 percent of the mock air engagements conducted during the exercise.
