Egypt unmasks Russian Su-35’s critical radar, engine defects

Summary
– Egypt exposes critical flaws in Russia’s Su-35 fighter jet.
– Outdated radar, weak jamming systems doomed the 2018 deal.
– Su-35’s reliance on AWACS clashed with Egypt’s tactics.
– Revelation highlights Russia’s struggles in the arms market.
– Cairo’s shift reshapes Middle East military dynamics.

In a significant disclosure, a senior Egyptian military official has revealed that Cairo canceled its 2018 deal to purchase Russian Su-35 fighter jets after a thorough technical evaluation exposed critical shortcomings in the aircraft’s systems.

The decision, initially driven by geopolitical pressures from the United States, was cemented by concerns over the jet’s outdated radar, vulnerable electronic warfare suite, and inefficient engines, which failed to meet the needs of Egypt’s air force in addressing modern regional threats.

The announcement, made in early July 2025, sheds new light on a deal that collapsed years ago and underscores Egypt’s shift toward more advanced and reliable platforms, raising questions about Russia’s standing in the global arms market.

The Su-35, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, was once hailed as a cornerstone of Moscow’s military exports. Egypt’s $2 billion contract for 24 jets, signed in 2018, was seen as a major win for Russia in the Middle East.

However, U.S. pressure through the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act [CAATSA] and technical deficiencies led Cairo to abandon the deal by 2020, with the aircraft later redirected to Iran. The recent revelations, reported by Defense News, highlight the specific flaws that tipped the scales against the Su-35, offering a rare glimpse into Egypt’s strategic calculus and its implications for the region’s military landscape.

Technical shortcomings of the Su-35: A closer look

The Su-35, known as the Flanker-E in NATO parlance, is a twin-engine, supermaneuverable fighter designed to compete with Western platforms like the F-15 and Rafale. Powered by two Saturn AL psychological warfare, the jet boasts a thrust-to-weight ratio of 1.1, enabling agile dogfighting capabilities.

Its Irbis-E radar, a passive electronically scanned array [PESA], can detect targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers, and the aircraft can carry a diverse payload, including R-77 air-to-air missiles and Kh-31 anti-ship missiles. Despite these strengths, Egypt’s evaluation found the Su-35 lacking in critical areas essential for modern air combat.

The electronic warfare system, intended to protect the jet from enemy radar and missile threats, was deemed inadequate. According to the Egyptian official, the system struggled against advanced jamming techniques prevalent in today’s battlefields, where electronic countermeasures are increasingly sophisticated. This vulnerability could expose the Su-35 to enemy defenses, particularly in contested environments like those in the Middle East, where adversaries deploy cutting-edge electronic warfare tools.

The Irbis-E PESA radar, while powerful for its time, was another point of concern. Unlike active electronically scanned array [AESA] radars found in Western fighters like the F-35 or Egypt’s own Rafale jets, the PESA system relies on older technology using gallium arsenide components.

These are less efficient and more susceptible to jamming than the gallium nitride-based AESA systems, which offer superior target discrimination and resistance to electronic interference. The Egyptian air force, prioritizing advanced sensor capabilities, found the Su-35’s radar outdated for the demands of modern warfare, where situational awareness is paramount.

The jet’s engines also raised red flags. The AL-41F1S engines, while powerful, produce a high thermal and acoustic signature, making the Su-35 easier to detect by infrared and radar systems. This compromises its survivability in stealth-focused operations, a growing priority in regions facing advanced threats like Israel’s F-35I Adir or Turkey’s Bayraktar drones. Additionally, the engines’ high fuel consumption limits the Su-35’s range and payload capacity compared to more efficient Western designs, such as the General Electric F110 engines powering Egypt’s F-16 fleet.

Dependency on AWACS: A tactical misalignment

Egypt’s air force operates under a doctrine emphasizing operational independence, a necessity given the complex threats in the Middle East, from insurgencies in the Sinai to potential conflicts along its borders. The Su-35’s reliance on external guidance from airborne warning and control systems [AWACS] clashed with this approach.

Unlike the Rafale, which integrates advanced sensors like the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and SPECTRA electronic warfare suite for autonomous operations, the Su-35 requires constant data links to AWACS for optimal performance in complex missions. This dependency, the Egyptian official noted, undermines the jet’s effectiveness in scenarios where AWACS support might be unavailable or disrupted.

Egypt’s experience in regional operations, such as its airstrikes against militant groups in Libya, underscores the need for self-sufficient platforms. The Rafale, acquired by Egypt in 2015 and 2021, has proven its worth in such missions, leveraging its integrated sensor suite to conduct precision strikes without external support. The Su-35’s limitations in this regard made it a poor fit for Cairo’s tactical needs, particularly in a region where rapid, independent responses are critical.

Geopolitical pressures and the deal’s collapse

The cancellation of the Su-35 deal was not solely a technical decision. The United States, wary of Russia’s growing influence in the Middle East, exerted significant pressure through CAATSA, a 2017 law aimed at deterring countries from purchasing Russian military equipment.

Similar pressure led Indonesia to abandon its own Su-35 deal in 2018, as reported by Reuters. Egypt, a major recipient of U.S. military aid, faced the risk of sanctions and strained relations with Washington, a key ally providing over $1 billion annually in support.

By 2020, Cairo had quietly shelved the deal, and Russia redirected the Su-35s to Iran, a move confirmed by posts on X and reported by The Moscow Times. This transfer, however, has been hampered by Russia’s strained production capacity due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has seen Moscow lose over 40% of its Su-35 fleet, according to Ukrainian sources. The delay in delivering these jets to Iran, initially expected by March 2025, highlights the broader challenges facing Russia’s defense industry, a point that likely factored into Egypt’s decision to look elsewhere.

Egypt’s pivot away from Russia also reflects its deepening ties with France and, increasingly, China. France, a long-standing supplier, has provided Egypt with 54 Rafale jets, equipped with advanced systems that outmatch the Su-35 in versatility and survivability.

Meanwhile, China’s growing presence in the region, exemplified by the J-10C fighter, has caught Cairo’s attention. The J-10C, a 4.5-generation jet with AESA radar and PL-15 missiles, has gained traction after Pakistan’s reported success against Indian Rafales in a May 2025 clash.

Egypt’s Air Force in 2025: Charting a new course

With the Su-35 deal in the rearview mirror, Egypt is exploring options to bolster its air force, aligning with its strategic goals and regional realities. The Rafale remains the backbone of Cairo’s fleet, offering proven performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

Its RBE2 AESA radar can track multiple targets simultaneously, and its compatibility with advanced munitions like the SCALP cruise missile enhances Egypt’s strike capabilities. Expanding this fleet, as reported by Aviation Week, is a likely priority, given the jet’s reliability and Egypt’s existing infrastructure for maintenance and training.

The Chinese J-10C has emerged as a strong contender, particularly after Egypt’s participation in the “Eagles of Civilization 2025” exercise with China, which showcased the jet’s capabilities. Unlike the Su-35, the J-10C features an AESA radar and lower operating costs, making it an attractive option for a cost-conscious Egypt. Reports from Breaking Defense indicate growing military cooperation between Cairo and Beijing, including joint naval exercises and officer training programs, signaling a potential shift toward Chinese platforms.

Unmanned systems are also on Egypt’s radar. The Turkish Bayraktar TB2, widely used in regional conflicts, offers low-cost precision strike capabilities, while Chinese drones like the Wing Loong II provide advanced surveillance and attack options. These systems align with Egypt’s need for flexible, cost-effective solutions to counter asymmetric threats, such as insurgencies in the Sinai or maritime security challenges in the Red Sea.

Russia’s waning influence in the arms market

Egypt’s decision to walk away from the Su-35 deal is a blow to Russia’s defense industry, already reeling from setbacks in other markets. Indonesia and India have similarly backed out of Su-35 purchases, citing technical limitations and geopolitical risks.

The war in Ukraine has further strained Russia’s ability to produce and deliver advanced systems, with production lines disrupted by sanctions and battlefield losses. Posts on X from June 2025 note that Russia’s failure to deliver Su-35s to Iran on schedule has raised doubts about Moscow’s reliability as a supplier.

The redirecting of Egypt’s Su-35s to Iran, reported by India Today, underscores Russia’s pivot to less traditional markets. However, Iran’s own struggles against Israeli F-35s in a June 2025 air campaign, as covered by Newsweek, highlight the Su-35’s vulnerabilities against advanced Western systems. Russia’s push to promote its Su-57 stealth fighter has yet to gain traction, with fewer than a dozen operational units as of 2025.

A shifting balance in the Middle East

Egypt’s rejection of the Su-35 reflects broader trends reshaping the Middle East’s military landscape. China’s rise as an arms supplier, exemplified by the J-10C and J-35, is challenging the dominance of Western and Russian platforms.

Pakistan’s reported success with the J-10C against Indian Rafales has sparked interest across the region, with Egypt, the UAE, and others exploring Chinese options, as noted by Newsweek. Meanwhile, France continues to solidify its position as a key supplier to Egypt, leveraging the Rafale’s proven track record.

The decision also highlights the enduring influence of the United States in the region. By leveraging CAATSA, Washington has successfully steered Egypt away from Russian systems, preserving its strategic leverage. However, the growing appeal of Chinese platforms poses a new challenge, as Beijing seeks to expand its footprint in the Middle East. For Egypt, balancing these relationships while addressing regional threats—such as Israel’s F-35-equipped air force or Turkey’s drone-centric strategy—will be critical.

The Su-35’s failure to meet Egypt’s needs raises questions about the future of Russian arms exports and the viability of its aging platforms in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As Cairo charts its path forward, will it double down on Western systems like the Rafale, embrace China’s cost-effective alternatives, or pursue a hybrid approach? The answer could reshape the region’s power dynamics for years to come.

***

Follow us everywhere and at any time. BulgarianMilitary.com has responsive design and you can open the page from any computer, mobile devices or web browsers. For more up-to-date news, follow our Google News, YouTube, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter pages. Our standards: Manifesto & ethical principles.

How we confirmed this story:

• BulgarianMilitary.com cross-references open-source intelligence, including battlefield maps and geolocated footage, to confirm military movements and resource claims. We analyze official statements, expert insights from defense analysts, and economic data to ensure accuracy.
• Social media posts are scrutinized and validated against primary sources, such as government reports and on-the-ground accounts. Our rigorous process guarantees reliable, fact-based reporting.