Test flights of Russia’s MiG-35 fighter jet have begun

The head of Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar announced the start of flight tests of the MiG-35 fighter jet during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday.

According to news agency Interfax, Putin watched a video of the test flight. Initially, it was assumed that the president would attend the event personally, but because of the weather, he was unable to fly to Lukhovitsy, the town where the test was taking place.

Slyusar noted that aircraft is equipped with a new optical-location station and that the aircraft has reduced visibility. “It is designed specifically for combat operations in areas of high intensity conflicts," - said General Director of the KLA.

Industrial complex MiG plans to have its international fighter jet presentation in Lukhovitsy on January 27.

The MiG-35 is a fourth-generation fighter aircraft. It was first conceptualized in the early 2000s. In 2011, Russia participated in a tender for the supply of MiG-35 to India, but lost.

In 2016, it was reported that the MiG-35 flight tests would begin in August. Later it was reported that the Defense Ministry would receive two aircraft for tests in November.

The Russia’s Armed Forces plan to continue buy 30 MiG-35 fighter jets before 2020. Bulk purchases of the aircraft will begin in 2019.