MiG-23 vs. Mikoyan MiG-35

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23, known by its NATO reporting name "Flogger," is a third-generation jet fighter developed by the Soviet Union in the late 1960s. The MiG-23 was designed to meet the need for a more versatile and capable fighter, capable of achieving Mach 2.35 speeds, and was introduced as a successor to the MiG-21. It served in various roles, including interceptor, ground-attack, and scouting.

Production History: The MiG-23 was introduced into service with the Soviet Air Forces in 1970. Over its production life, which spanned two decades, more than 5,000 units were built, making it one of the most produced fighter aircraft of its time. The MiG-23 was exported widely, serving in the air forces of over 30 countries, and saw action in numerous conflicts during the latter half of the 20th century.

Design Features: The MiG-23's most notable feature is its swing-wing design, which allows the wings to be set at different angles to optimize performance at various speeds. At lower speeds, the wings could be extended for better lift and maneuverability, while at higher speeds, they could be swept back to reduce drag. The aircraft was powered by a single large turbojet engine, equipped with an afterburner for additional thrust.

Operational History: The MiG-23 saw combat in several Middle Eastern conflicts, including the Yom Kippur War, the Iran-Iraq War, and the Syrian Civil War. It was used extensively by the Soviet Union in Afghanistan during the 1980s, where it was employed in both air-to-air combat and ground-attack roles. Despite its advanced design, the MiG-23 faced challenges in terms of maintenance and operational readiness, particularly in the hands of less experienced air forces.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-23 vs. F-4 Phantom II

Role and Capabilities: Both the MiG-23 and F-4 Phantom II were designed as multi-role fighters capable of performing both air superiority and ground-attack missions. The MiG-23's variable-geometry wings provided it with a broader performance envelope, especially in terms of speed and altitude capabilities.

Performance: The F-4 Phantom II, while older, was known for its reliability, heavy payload, and versatility. In contrast, the MiG-23 offered better agility at high speeds and a more sophisticated radar and missile armament for air-to-air engagements.

MiG-23 vs. F-14 Tomcat

Design Evolution: The F-14 Tomcat and the MiG-23 were both developed around the same time and featured variable-geometry wings. This design was chosen by both manufacturers for similar reasons: to provide excellent performance across a wide range of speeds and altitudes.

Operational Capabilities: The F-14 was primarily designed as a fleet defense interceptor for the U.S. Navy and excelled in long-range air-to-air engagements. The MiG-23, while also capable in the interceptor role, was more versatile, being used extensively in ground-attack missions in addition to air superiority roles.

The Mikoyan MiG-35 (NATO codename "Fulcrum-F) is a 4++ generation multirole fighter aircraft developed from the MiG-29M/M2 and MiG-29K/KUB. Introduced in the 2000s by Russia, the MiG-35 represents the pinnacle of the Fulcrum series, incorporating advanced technology to meet the demands of modern warfare.

Production History: The development of the MiG-35 began as an advancement of the MiG-29 program, aiming to extend the aircraft's service life and compete against Western 4th generation fighters. The MiG-35 made its first public appearance in 2007, with the Russian Air Force expressing interest in acquiring the aircraft to modernize its fleet. While initially proposed in the early 2000s, the MiG-35 has seen various delays, with commencement of operational testing by the Russian military occurring from 2016 to 2017.

Design Features: The MiG-35 features improved aerodynamics and reduced radar cross-section over its predecessors. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including a phased array radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a sophisticated glass cockpit. The aircraft's propulsion system is upgraded with new engines that enable supersonic flight without afterburners. The MiG-35 is capable of carrying a wide range of Russian and international weapons on its nine hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided bombs.

Operational History: As of the last update, the MiG-35 is in the late stages of development and testing, with the Russian Air Force conducting comprehensive evaluations. The aircraft has been showcased in international air shows and offered to foreign buyers as a highly capable multirole fighter. While not yet combat-proven, the MiG-35 is expected to serve as a versatile platform capable of executing a wide array of missions, from air superiority to ground attack and reconnaissance.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-35 vs. MiG-29

Role and Capabilities: The MiG-35 is an evolution of the MiG-29, designed to extend the capabilities of the Fulcrum series into the next generation of air combat. It offers significant advancements in radar, avionics, and weapon systems.

Performance: With enhanced engines and aerodynamics, the MiG-35 provides superior agility, speed, and range compared to the MiG-29. Its ability to perform supersonic flights without afterburners and increased payload capacity make it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

MiG-35 vs. F-16 Fighting Falcon

Design Evolution: While the F-16 is a 4th generation multirole fighter renowned for its versatility and agility, the MiG-35 represents a 4++ generation development, incorporating advances in stealth, avionics, and operational capabilities beyond the original Fulcrum design.

Operational Capabilities: The MiG-35's modern avionics suite, including AESA radar and enhanced electronic warfare systems, offers a competitive edge in detecting and engaging threats at greater distances. In contrast, the F-16 has undergone numerous upgrades to maintain its effectiveness, with the latest variants featuring advanced radar and precision weapons.