Military Watch Magazine has reported that the Russian Su-35 fighter has undergone an upgrade and is now fitted with a new radar featuring an active electronically scanned array.

The publication pointed to the recent presentation of the new AESA system, which is expected to replace the Irbis-E passive phased-array radar that has been used on the aircraft since it entered service in 2014.

In the magazine’s assessment, the shift to the new radar could improve target detection accuracy and expand the fighter’s ability to employ long-range missiles. The lack of an AESA radar had previously been seen as one of the Su-35’s main shortcomings compared with foreign counterparts.

At the same time, the full capabilities of the new system have not been disclosed. It also remains unclear whether the radar will be installed on aircraft already in service or whether the upgrade is aimed primarily at export versions.

Military Watch Magazine also noted that the Su-35 posted record export results last year. In February, it was confirmed that 18 of the fighters would be delivered to Algeria. Later, reports emerged that Russia could transfer 48 Su-35 aircraft to Iran.