Su-35S fighter jets officially entered service with PLAAF.

The People`s Republic of China`s (PRC`s) Ministry of National Defense has confirmed that the People`s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has introduced into service Sukhoi Su-35S (NATO reporting name: Flanker-E+) multirole combat aircraft supplied by Russia.

File photo shows PLAAF Su-35 fighter jets are on a training
(Credit: Xinhua)

Senior Colonel Wu Qian, MND spokesperson, made this statement during a media briefing held on April 26 in Beijing. However, the official did not reveal the number fighters, which had been delivered or introduced into service.

The Ministry of National Defense previously revealed that the Su-35S fighter jets and other fixed-wing PLAAF aircraft had taken part in joint combat patrols over the South China Sea.

In November 2015, Russia`s Rostec state corporation said Beijing had signed a contract for 24 Su-35s, making the PRC the first foreign customer of the Russian-made aircraft. The contract is worth no less than 2 billion dollars.

The Su-35 is a highly upgraded 4++-generation super-maneuverable multipurpose fighter jet incorporating fifth-generation technologies. The jet incorporates a reinforced airframe, improved avionics and radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and a reduced frontal radar signature. Its maximum speed is 2,390 km/h (1,490mph), range is 3,600 km (1,940 miles), and combat radius - around 1,600 km (995 miles). The jet is armed with 30 mm GSh-301 internal cannon with 150 rounds and 12 hardpoints capable of carrying rockets, missiles and bombs.