The US-Soviet arms race that took place during the Cold War resulted in some of the most notorious military systems to date. From submarines and fighter jets to bombers and air defense systems, American and Soviet engineers demonstrated a ramp-up of technological and military capabilities during this era. Notably, many of the aircraft designed by the USSR remain critical players in the Russian Federation’s existing aerial fleet. Particularly, the Su-27 and the MiG-29 stand out as some of the best Soviet jets of the Cold War.

While the legendary Sukhoi-produced Su-27 fighter may appear mediocre due to its performance in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the platform was truly top-tier when introduced during the Cold War. Codenamed by NATO as “Flanker,” the Su-27 has officially remained in service for four decades.

When the Soviets first heard of the US Air Force’s “F-X” program in the 1960s, its engineers got to work to develop a capable counter to a new American fighter series. The Soviet........

© The National Interest