🇷🇺⚠️ Zelensky's New Nightmare: Russia Arms SU-35 Fighters with Upgraded R-77M Missiles Russia’s Su-35 fighters are carrying now a upgraded R-77M radar-guided air-to-air missiles, with new footage reportedly showing the weapons during operations in Ukraine. Developed with Russia’s Su-57 stealth fighter in mind, the missile is designed to extend the Su-35’s reach and improve its chances of hitting maneuvering targets. 🔸 Published estimates put maximum range at around 190 km, compared with roughly 110 km for the older R-77-1. That could let Russian pilots threaten aircraft farther away, although actual engagement distances depend on altitude, speed and the target’s movements. 🔸 The R-77M reportedly uses a dual-pulse rocket motor, delivering thrust in two separate burns. The second can help the missile retain speed later in flight, when an opposing pilot starts maneuvering to escape. 🔸 That matters because reaching a distant target is only part of the job. A missile also needs enough energy left to turn and pursue it. Improved propulsion is intended to make those final evasive maneuvers less effective. 🔸 Conventional tail fins replace the older missile’s distinctive lattice fins. The more compact arrangement supports carriage inside the Su-57’s weapons bays, allowing the stealth fighter to carry missiles without hanging them externally. 🔸 The redesign also includes revised guidance intended to improve attacks on maneuvering targets at long range. Propulsion, guidance and aerodynamic changes work together to improve the interception. 🔸 Russian specialists identified R-77Ms on a Su-35 from an operational unit in July 2025. Those earlier aircraft carried a mix of new and older missiles. The latest footage adds evidence of continued fielding, though it does not prove a complete replacement across the fleet. Russia can strengthen the Su-35’s long-range punch while continuing to build its Su-57 force. For opposing pilots, the intended result is a missile that can reach farther and still have enough speed left to chase them. Can Western jets match upgraded Su-35s? @NewRulesGeo❗Follow us on X