The newest MiG-35 (Fulcrum-F) fighter jet was tested today in the Moscow region. The features of the aircraft, which almost deny the laws of physics, was demonstrated today by video to Vladimir Putin. Later, during the meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission, the President set new goals for the defense industry. According to the head of state, the Russian army will use the best weapons.

The Commander-in-chief and Defense Minister are watching the taking-off of the latest MiG-35 fighter jet from the Situation Centre in the Kremlin through video link. RD-33 engines provide the MiG-35 with a record ascension rate, which equals the speed of sound, 330 meters per second. Then the pilot demonstrates the plane's capabilities in close action. An air combat maneuver is performed almost without additional movements by means of thrust vector control. This maneuver allows to instantly escape from enemy fire. The

President congratulated the whole MiG team with the flight tests: "I expect that our military will be greatly enhanced by this aircraft. In addition the plane has major export potential".



The new aircraft was first tested by Mikhail Belyaev, senior test pilot at the Russian Aircraft Corporation MiG. During the flight, all the objectives were fully achieved. All onboard systems worked normally.

This light 4++ generation multi-purpose fighter jet is designed to obtain air superiority. It is capable of tracking from 10 to 30 targets simultaneously and hit 6 air and 4 land-based targets. But for enemy missiles, the MiG-35 is now almost out of reach. For example, it lets the pilot know when a missile has been launched in the aircraft’s direction. And then gives recommendations on what to do: either to leave or to use defensive weapons. The MiG-35 is as simple and reliable as its predecessor, the MiG-29. Furthermore, it can take off and land on rough terrain. For this, it only needs 200 meters.

Opening the meeting of the Military-Industrial Commission, the President thanked the ministries and agencies for their coordinated work on the implementation of the state defense order, and then he set out new priorities. "Another important and perspective sector is autonomous robotic systems. They are able to fundamentally change the entire armament plan of the military. And we need our own effective practices in this area".

The international presentation of the MiG-35 will take place tomorrow. Now, two experimental pre-production samples of the MiG-35 are being transferred to the state for joint tests, and according to the results, contracts will be signed to supply the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and its foreign partners. This Production Complex, №1 of the MiG Corporation in Lukhovitsy, will become the main plant to build these new fighter jets.

Report by Dmitry Petrov.