Russia Deploys MiG-35 Fighter Jets Over Moscow Amid Drone Threats

Amid ongoing fears of drone attacks, Russia has deployed MiG-35 fighter jets over Moscow as part of its defense strategy against potential Ukrainian strikes. This move comes despite recent diplomatic overtures from President Vladimir Putin, which sparked hopes for a de-escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. However, the situation remains precarious with Russia continuing its aggressive military operations in Ukraine.

Reports indicate that several MiG-35 aircraft have been relocated to the Moscow region to enhance aerial defense capabilities against Ukrainian drones. The Bulgarian Military online magazine highlighted the deployment as a direct response to a significant spike in drone incursions, with 337 Ukrainian drones reportedly intercepted in various regions, including 91 over Moscow on March 11, 2025. This incident represented the most extensive drone assault on the Russian capital since the onset of hostilities.

Andrei Vorobyov, the governor of the Moscow region, stated that 74 drones were shot down in the early hours of that day as they approached the city, targeting military and energy infrastructure in a bid to disrupt Russia's war efforts.

Russian media sources have confirmed the unprecedented use of MiG-35s for drone interception, stating that these jets have been patrolling the airspace around Moscow for several days. The Serbian TV station Televizija Front reported that this marks the first instance of MiG-35s being utilized to defend the capital against such aerial threats.

The MiG-35 is a multi-role fighter designed to compete with Western aircraft such as the F-16 and Eurofighter Typhoon. Developed by Mikoyan-Gurevich, this fourth-generation jet is equipped with versatile armaments, enhancing its capability to counter threats, including potential Ukrainian F-16s.

In terms of performance, the MiG-35 can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.3 (approximately 2,445 km/h), while the F-16 can achieve speeds of around Mach 2.02 (approximately 2,142 km/h). Both aircraft share similarities in armament; for instance, the air-to-air missiles used by the F-16, such as the Sidewinder and AMRAAM, have proven effective, similar to the Russian Wympel missiles. Their operational ranges extend beyond 100 kilometers.

However, a notable difference lies in the onboard electronic systems, or avionics, of the MiG-35, which are considered to be more advanced compared to those of the F-16. Both aircraft are also utilized in counter-drone operations.