Longer-range missiles make Russia's Su-35 a bigger threat, analyst says

Justin Bronk of the Royal United Services Institute says Russia is increasingly equipping its Su-35 and Su-30SM2 fighters with the R-37M long-range air-to-air missile, a change that expands the jets' threat to NATO aircraft. He described the routine employment of the weapon on Su-35S jets as a significant shift from its prior, specialist role.

The R-37M, which NATO calls the RS-AA-13, has far greater reach than the R-77-1 missiles Su-35s carried previously: the R-77-1 is about 62 miles, while the R-37M is understood to have a range around 200 miles. Real-world effectiveness depends on many factors, but that increase in reach makes a material difference in engagement options.

Combat in Ukraine has highlighted the missile's potency; RUSI noted the R-37M has been used to destroy several Ukrainian aircraft at long range, including a recorded kill beyond 109 miles, and said the weapon has been difficult for Ukrainian pilots to evade.

Russia

su-35, su-30sm2, r-37m, rs-aa-13, r-77-1, long-range missile, nato aircraft, rusi, ukraine, justin bronk