The Sukhoi Su-9 'Fishpot' was developed in tandem with the Su-7 but was designed for a completely different role: an all-weather interceptor equipped with radar and missiles. The Su-9 differed from its ground attack counterpart by its delta wing configuration but otherwise also featured a circular nose intake which housed a radome for the 'High Fix' radar. Missile armament was provided in the form of four beam-riding missiles but was unique among Soviet interceptors in that it had no gun armament at all. The Su-9's overall design would also be used in the MiG-21 fighter which entered service the same year, though the Su-9 differed noticeably by having a raised cockpit and was a larger aircraft overall. However, both aircraft suffered similar flaws, mainly a lack of range as well as the limited size of the nose cone which prevented a more sophisticated radar from being installed. These limitations promted the development of the Su-11 which featured a more powerful engine as well as more advanced radar and missiles, though it still depended on ground control interception. Like most Soviet interceptors, the Su-9/11 was not exported to any other nation, serving exclusively with air defense units until as late as 1981 by which time they had been replaced by another Sukhoi design, the Su-15. Notable accomplishments include establishing zoom climb altitude, sustained altitude, and closed circuit speed records and continued to be used as trainers and drones for various years.

The T-3 prototype first flew on 26 May 1956 followed by an improved T-4 which was the basis for the production Su-9 'Fishpot-B' which was coupled with a two-seat trainer known as the Su-9U 'Maiden'. A major upgrade resulted in the Su-11 Fishpot-C' with more powerful engines, new Oryol radar, and a redesigned structure carrying the K-8 air-to-air missile in both radar homing and infrared versions. It was built as a temporary measure pending the arrival of the more advanced Su-15; it also came in a trainer version known as the Su-11U.