Sukhoi Su-30
Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Template:Infobox aircraft
The Sukhoi Su-30 (Template:Langx; NATO reporting name: Flanker-C/G/H) is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable fighter aircraft developed in the Soviet Union in the 1980s by Russia's Sukhoi Aviation Corporation. It is a multirole fighter for all-weather, air-to-air interdiction missions. The Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) were reported to have 130 Su-30SMs in operation as of 2024.<ref name="pua1">Template:Cite news</ref>
The Su-30 started as an internal development project in the Sukhoi Su-27 family by Sukhoi. From the Su-27UB two-seat trainer, the Su-27PU heavy interceptor was developed. The design plan was revamped and the Su-27PU was renamed to Su-30 by the Russian Defense Ministry in 1996. Of the Flanker family, the Su-27, Su-30, Su-33, Su-34 and Su-35 have been ordered into limited or serial production by the Russian Defense Ministry. Later, different export requirements split the Su-30 into two distinct version branches, manufactured by competing organizations: KnAAPO and the Irkut Corporation, both of which come under the Sukhoi aerospace group's umbrella.
KnAAPO manufactures the Su-30MKK and the Su-30MK2, which were designed for and sold to China, and later Indonesia, Uganda, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Due to KnAAPO's involvement from the early stages of developing the Su-35, these are basically a two-seat version of the mid-1990s Su-35. The Chinese chose an older but lighter radar so the canards could be omitted in return for increased payload. It is a fighter with both air supremacy and attack capabilities, generally similar to the U.S. F-15E Strike Eagle.<ref name=mt1>Template:Cite web</ref>
Irkut traditionally served the Soviet Air Defense and, in the early years of Flanker development, was responsible for manufacturing the Su-27UB, the two-seat trainer version. When India showed an interest in the Su-30, Irkut offered the multirole Su-30MKI, which originated as the Su-27UB modified with avionics appropriate for fighters. Along with its ground-attack capabilities, the series adds features for the air-superiority role, such as canards, thrust-vectoring, and a long-range phased-array radar. Its derivatives include the Su-30MKM, MKA, and SM for Malaysia, Algeria, and Russia respectively. The VKS operates several Su-30s and has ordered the Su-30SM variant as well.
Development
While the original Su-27 had good range, it still did not have enough range for the Soviet Air Defense Forces (PVO, as opposed to VVS – the Soviet Air Force). The Air Defense Forces needed to cover the vast expanse of the Soviet Union. Hence, development began in 1986 on the Su-27PU, an improved-capability variant of the Su-27 capable of serving as a long-range interceptor or airborne command post.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The two-seat Su-27UB combat trainer was selected as the basis for the Su-27PU, because it had the performance of a single-seat Su-27 with seating for two crew members. A "proof-of-concept" demonstrator flew on 6 June 1987, and this led to the kick-off of development work on two Su-27PU prototypes. The first Su-27PU flew at Irkutsk on 31 December 1989, and the first of three pre-production models flew on 14 April 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Later development
Design
The Su-30 is a multirole fighter. It has a two-seat cockpit with an airbrake behind the canopy. It can serve as an air superiority fighter and as a strike fighter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Flight characteristics
The integrated aerodynamic configuration, combined with the thrust vectoring control ability, results in high maneuverability and supermaneuverability characteristics. Equipped with a digital fly-by-wire system, the Su-30 can perform some very advanced maneuvers, including the Pugachev's Cobra and the tailslide. These maneuvers quickly decelerate the aircraft, causing a pursuing fighter to overshoot, as well as breaking a Doppler radar-lock, as the relative speed of the aircraft drops below the threshold where the signal registers to the radar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Some variants of the Su-30, notably the Su-30MKI and its derivatives including the Su-30MKM and Su-30SM, are fitted with canards to enhance maneuverability and also compensate for the heavier N011M Bars radar and mission systems in the nose. The canards and the reshaped leading-edge extensions (LERX) help control the vortices and increase the angle-of-attack limit of the airframe, but they also add drag and reduce the maximum speed to Mach 1.75.<ref name="keyaerosu-30sm2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=knaapo_Su-30MK/>
Powerplant
As with the baseline Su-27S/P, the Su-30's powerplant incorporates two Saturn AL-31F afterburning low-bypass turbofan engines, fed through intake ramps. Two AL-31Fs, each rated at Template:Convert of full afterburning thrust for speeds up to Mach 2 in level flight and 1,350 km/h speed at low altitude for non-canard variants. Canted thrust vectoring is used in some variants to enhance maneuverability.<ref name=knaapo_Su-30MK/>
With a normal fuel reserve of 5,270 kg, the Su-30MK is capable of performing a 4.5-hour combat mission with a range of 3,000 km. An aerial refueling system increases the range to Template:Convert or flight duration up to 10 hours at cruise altitudes.<ref name=knaapo_Su-30MK/><ref name=sukhoi_Su-30MK/>
Avionics
The aircraft features autopilot ability at all flight stages including low-altitude flight in terrain-following radar mode, and individual and group combat employment against air and ground/sea-surface targets. Automatic control system interconnected with the navigation system ensures route flight, target approach, recovery to airfield and landing approach in automatic mode.Template:Citation needed
As of 2020, the French firm Thales had integrated its holographic Head-Up Display 3022 system into the Su-30SM. The Russians let the Belarusian side acquire this tool in December 2020. This system is used for tactical situation analysis, map presentation, navigation, attack system, and is used to interrogate avionic sensors and to control effectors.<ref name="db1">Template:Cite news</ref> Some of the at least $783,000 that Irkut-Yakovlev sourced from Thales in 2022 were for this system.<ref name="rfe1">Template:Cite news</ref>
Maintenance
The sanctions policy created as a result of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine caused problems with aftermarket sales and servicing of the French systems that have become an integral part of the Su-30SM. The VKS now needs, via its Rosaviaspetskomplekt partner, to have its warplanes maintained by the Kazakhstani firm ARC Group which is the "exclusive distributor of Safran Electronics & Defence in the Republic of Kazakhstan".<ref name=pua1/>
Operational history
Russia
In 1994–1996, an initial batch of five original Su-30 (Su-27PU) fighters, contracted for the Russian Defence Ministry, were delivered to 54th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment based at Savasleyka air base.<ref name= "Su-27PU">Template:Cite web</ref> After the regiment was disbanded in 2002, the aircraft became part of 4th Centre for Combat Employment and Retraining of Personnel in Lipetsk where they were flown mostly by Russian Falcons aerobatic team.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> No further orders of the variant were made. However, the Russian Defence Ministry was impressed with the export Su-30MKI's performance envelope and ordered a local version of the same aircraft for their own use, called the Su-30SM, which is the third adaptation of the MKI after the Malaysian Su-30MKM and the Algerian MKA. A total of 60 Su-30SM fighters, under two contracts signed in March and December 2012, respectively.Template:Citation needed On 21 September 2012, the Su-30SM performed its maiden flight.<ref name="First flight">Template:Cite web</ref> The Russian Air Force has received first two serial aircraft on 22 November 2012.Template:Citation needed By end of 2015, 31st Fighter Aviation Regiment, the last aviation regiment of the Russian Aerospace Forces that operated Soviet-made MiG-29A/UBs (izdeliye 9.12/9.13) was fully rearmed with about twenty new Su-30SM fighters. All aircraft of the first two contracts were delivered by 2016.Template:Citation needed
Another 36 aircraft were ordered in April 2016, six of which intended for the Russian Naval Aviation.<ref name="vedomosti.ru">Template:Cite web</ref> This was to increase the total number to 116 (88 in the Air Force and 28 in the Navy).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In October–November 2016, eight new aircraft were handed to Russian Knights aerobatic team, replacing the team's six Su-27 fighters. The aircraft are stationed at Kubinka air base, Moscow Oblast.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the 2017 MAKS International Aviation and Space Salon, it was announced that the Russian Defence Ministry and Irkut Corporation are working on modernization of Russia's Su-30SM fighters to a new "Su-30SM1" standard. The modernization is aimed on improvements in aircraft's avionics and armament.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Su-30SM attained full operational capability (FOC) in January 2018, by a resolution of the Russian president.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
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In August 2019, the Russian Defence Ministry first signed a contract for undisclosed number of modernized Su-30SM2 (then referred to it as Su-30SM1) fighters. First deliveries to the Russian Aerospace Forces are scheduled for late 2020 with serial deliveries to commence in 2021. The aircraft will receive the N035 Irbis radar and AL-41F1S engines of the Su-35S, what is to standardize and reduce operational costs of the two variants. The aircraft's armament will be also enhanced of the new KAB-250 aerial bombs and Kh-59MK2 stealth cruise missiles. It is planned to modernize all Russia's Su-30SMs to the SM2 standard.<ref name="Su-30SM1"/>
On 25 August 2020, a contract for 21 modernized Su-30SM2 aircraft for the Russian Naval Aviation was signed at the 'ARMY-2020' military-technical forum.<ref name="Su-30SM2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Naval Aviation">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2015 Russian military intervention in Syria
In September 2015, Russia deployed Su-30SM fighters for the first time to Bassel Al-Assad International Airport in Latakia, Syria. At least four Su-30SM fighters were spotted in a satellite photo.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In late December 2015, there were 16 Su-30SMs at Khmeimim Air Base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> As part of their combat deployment, they provided target illumination for bombers launching airstrikes against rebel groups.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Su-30SMs were initially tasked with aerial escort of Russian attack jets and strategic bombers but also conducted air to ground duties. On 21 March 2017, rebel forces launched a new offensive in the Hama province; a few days later a video emerged showing a Russian Aerospace Forces Su-30SM striking ground targets with unguided air-to-ground rockets in a dive attack against the rebels.Template:Citation needed
On 3 May 2018, a Russian Aerospace Forces Su-30 crashed shortly after take-off from the Khmeimim Air Base, killing both crew members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine
Russian Su-30SM and Su-35s fighters were used for air superiority missions during the war. Combined, at least seven air to air victories were confirmed over Ukrainian jet aircraft<ref name="2022RUWAir">Template:Cite web</ref> and one over a Ukrainian Naval Aviation Mil Mi-14.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
A Russian Su-30 was destroyed on the ground by Ukrainian OTR-21 Tochka missiles fired during the Millerovo air base attack.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 5 March 2022 a Russian Naval Aviation Su-30SM, RF-33787, tail number Blue 45 was shot down in Bashtanka area, Mykolayiv Oblast. Both crew members, Major Aleksey Golovensky and Captain Aleksey Kozlov, were captured.<ref name="TheDrive2">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The same day another Su-30 was lost in Ochakov, Mykolaiv Oblast, pilot by Lt. Colonel Aleksey Khasanov and Cpt Vasily Gorgulenko were killed while on combat duty in Ukraine.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 13 March 2022, another aircraft, RF-81733, tail number Red 72, was lost over Ukraine; the pilot, Kosyk Serhiy Serhiyovych, survived and was captured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 15 March 2022, a Su-30SM, serial number RF-81773 tail number Red 62, was shot down near Izium, Kharkiv. Pilots Alexander Pazynych and Evgeny Kislyakov, did not survive<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and Capt. Aleksander Pozinich from 14th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, were killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 9 August 2022, explosions at Saky air base in Novofedorivka, Crimea left at least three Su-30s destroyed and one damaged according to satellite imagery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On 18 August a Su-30SM, serial number RF-81771, had its wreckage recorded in Kharkiv region in the Izyum direction.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 18 August 2022, remains of a Su-30 registration number RF-81771 tail number Red 60, were discovered near Mala Komyshuvakha, Izium. The fate of the pilots remained unknown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 27 August 2023, Ukrainian media, citing claims made by the Security Service of Ukraine, said that 16 Sypaq Corvo Precision Payload Delivery System drones had been used in an attack on the Kursk Vostochny Airport in Russia, with three shot down and the others hitting four Su-30s and one MiG-29 aircraft. An S-300 radar and two Pantsir air defence systems were also reportedly hit.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 12 August 2024 a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29, callsign 72 White, piloted by Olexander Migulya was shot down in a combat mission by a Russian Su-30.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 2 February 2025, a Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 was shot down in the area of Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast. Russian sources claimed it was shot down by an R-37M missile fired from a Su-30SM2. The pilot, kapitan Ivan Bolotov of the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, did not survive.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 2 May 2025, a Ukrainian HUR Magura V7 naval drone shot down a Russian Su-30 using an AIM-9X missile, 50 km west of Novorossiysk. The crew of two ended up in the Black Sea, where a civilian ship later recovered them. HUR claimed it was the first time a maritime drone shot down an aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
India
First talks about acquiring of new fighter for the Indian Air Force began in 1994. A year later, the Sukhoi Design Bureau started working on the new fighter based on the original Su-30 design, which later evolved into Su-30MK (Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy - Modernized Commercial) and ultimately into Su-30MKI (Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Indiski - Modernized Commercial Indian).<ref name="Su-30MK">Template:Cite web</ref> On 30 November 1996, Russian state company Rosvooruzhenie (now Rosoboronexport) and Indian Defense Ministry signed a contract for development and production of eight Su-30Ks and 32 Su-30MKIs for the Indian Air Force.<ref name="Su-30MK"/><ref name="Su-30MKI">Template:Cite web</ref> In March–July 1997, all eight Su-30Ks of the order were delivered at Lohegaon Air Force Base in India.<ref name="Su-30MKM">Template:Cite web</ref> On 28 December 2000, as part of the Russian-Indian cooperation, a contract worth more than US$3 billion was signed for license production of 140 Su-30MKI fighters at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) production plant in Nashik.<ref name="Su-30MKI"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Between 2002 and 2004, in accordance with the 1996 contract, 32 Su-30MKIs were built by Irkutsk Aviation Plant for the Indian Air Force.<ref name="Su-30MKI"/> From 2004 onwards, production is carried by HAL.Template:Citation needed
In 2007, India and Russia agreed to a deal for another 40 Su-30MKIs for US$1.6 billion, to be produced in India under license.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In March 2010, it was reported India and Russia were negotiating a contract for additional 42 aircraft.Template:Citation needed The contract worth US$1.6 billion was signed in December 2011, increasing the total number of ordered aircraft up to 272.<ref name="lenta.ru">Template:Cite web</ref> By March 2020, India had completed the production of all 272 Su-30MKIs licensed under previous contracts.<ref name="production complete">Template:Cite web</ref> The country was also considering acquisition of 12 more fighters to compensate for Su-30 losses over nearly 20 years of operation.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 2020, due to the 2020–2021 China–India skirmishes, India determined to purchase 12 additional Su-30MKIs.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, Indian media reported negotiations between HAL and Russia for exporting Indian-produced Su-30MKIs. This may be to circumvent American economic sanctions on the export of Russian weapons and their technology.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
2025 India-Pakistan conflict
India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of 7 May 2025, targeting nine alleged terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam attack. During the mission, Su-30MKIs of the Indian Air Force provided air defence cover to ensure that Indian strike aircraft could carry out the mission without threat from Pakistani interceptors.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 10 May 2025, the IAF Su-30MKIs reportedly struck 11 PAF airbases with the BrahMos missile resulting in critical damage to some.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
China
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To better counter USAF's expanding capabilities in the region, in 1996, an agreement worth US$1.8 billion was reached with Russia to purchase some 38 multirole combat aircraft based on the original Su-30 design. Taking into account China's requirements for its new fighter, the aircraft became known as Su-30MKK (Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Kitayski - Modernized Commercial Chinese).<ref name="Flanker by name">Template:Cite journal</ref>
In March 1999, first prototype took off from Gromov Flight Research Institute in Russia and a year later it appeared at Zhuhai Air Show in China. People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has received first batch of ten Su-30MKK fighters in December 2000, following by second and third batches of ten fighters in August and December 2001, respectively. In July 2001, China has ordered 38 more Su-30MKK fighters.<ref name="Flanker by name"/>
A modified variant, known as "Su-30MK2", was negotiated for the People's Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) in 2002, with contract for 24 aircraft signed in 2003. All the aircraft were delivered to PLANAF in 2004.<ref name="Flanker by name"/>
Myanmar
The Myanmar Air Force ordered six Su-30SMEs in 2018.<ref name="reuters.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Новые подробности о закупке Мьянмой">Template:Cite web</ref> 2 Su-30SMEs delivered in March 2022 and entered service on 15 December.<ref name="irrawaddy.com">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Myanmar Air Force Day">Template:Cite web</ref> Between 4 and 6 have arrived as of November 2022.<ref name="defencenet.ae">Template:Cite web</ref> 4 delivered as of 15 December 2023.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="armstrade.org">Template:Cite web</ref> Another 2 Su-30 SME had been received on 15 December 2024.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Myanmar Air Force has between 8 and 10 Su-30SMEs.Template:Citation needed
Malaysia
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Malaysia ordered 18 Su-30MKMs in May 2003. The first two Su-30MKMs were formally handed over in Irkutsk on 23 May 2007 and arrived in Malaysia at RMAF Gong Kedak Air Base in Terengganu on 21 June 2007.<ref>The Malaysia Deal: Offsets & Updates Template:Webarchive. defenseindustrydaily.com</ref> As part of the contract agreement, Russia sent the first Malaysian cosmonaut to the International Space Station in October 2007.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2014, Malaysia had 18 Su-30MKMs in service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
According to Malaysian defense Minister Mohamad Sabu, Malaysia has grounded 14 of 18 Su-30MKM due to engine problems and unavailability of spare parts in 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> To overcome this problem and increase the readiness of the Su-30MKM fleets, Malaysia has approved the budget worth RM2.2 billion for the Su-30MKM to be upgraded locally by Aerospace Technology Systems Corporation. The first upgraded aircraft was received in 2019 in LIMA 2019 exhibition.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Venezuela
The Government of Venezuela announced on 14 June 2006 it would purchase 24 Su-30MKV fighters from Russia. The first two Su-30MK2s arrived in early December 2006 while another eight were commissioned during 2007; 14 more aircraft arrived in 2008.<ref>Air Forces Monthly, August 2006 issue.</ref> In October 2015, Venezuela announced the purchase of 12 more Su-30MKVs from Russia for US$480 million.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>Template:Unreliable source?<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Algeria
As part of wider US$8 billion deal signed with Russia in 2006, that also included 34 MiG-29 fighters and number of Yak-130 trainers, Algeria has ordered 28 Su-30MKAs for its air force. It was to receive additional 16 Su-30MKAs in exchange for the 39 MiG-29s rejected due to quality disputes and old equipment used.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> By 2015, it had 44 Su-30MKAs in service with 14 more on order.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2019, Algeria ordered 16 more aircraft. As of 2022, it has 70 Su-30MKAs in service.<ref name="echoroukonline">Template:Cite web</ref>
Uganda
Uganda signed a contract for six Su-30MK2s in 2010.<ref>Tabu Butagira, Martin Ssebuyira, "New Russian-built jet fighters arrive" Template:Webarchive. Daily Monitor (13 July 2011).</ref> Deliveries took place between June 2011 and June 2012. In November 2011, one aircraft performed a belly landing at Entebbe International Airport. It was later repaired.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Indonesia
In 2001, reports emerged that Indonesia had an interest to acquire about 16 Su-30 fighters,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> as a replacement for its aging fleet of 12 F-16A/B and F-5E/F fighters. From 2003 to 2011, and because of the U.S-imposed arms embargo against it, it has ordered a combined 11 Su-30MKK/MK2s (2 Su-30MKK and 9 Su-30MK2) for the Air Force.<ref name= "Indonesia">Template:Cite web</ref> In September 2013, it had all Su-30MKK/MK2s in inventory.<ref name="Indonesia"/> The aircraft were upgraded by Belarus in 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Angola
As part of a US$1 billion deal that also includes other equipment and maintenance services for the country, Angola has ordered 12 out of 18 former Indian Su-30K fighters on 16 October 2013. The Su-30Ks were initially delivered to India in 1997–1998, but were returned to Russia in 2007 in exchange for 18 full-fledged Su-30MKI fighters.<ref>Angola Inks $1Bln Arms Deals With Russia Template:Webarchive – Rian.ru, 16 October 2013</ref> Angola received first two aircraft in September 2017,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> four in 2018<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and the rest in April 2019. Angolan Su-30Ks were also upgraded to the "SM" standard.<ref name="Angola">Template:Cite web</ref>
Vietnam
Vietnam has received about 20 Su-30MK2s under two contracts signed in 2009 and 2010, respectively.Template:Citation needed On 21 August 2013, Russia announced it would deliver another batch of 12 Su-30MK2s under a $450 million contract, with deliveries in 2014–2015.Template:Citation needed
On 14 June 2016, a Su-30MK2 of the Vietnamese Air Force went missing during a training flight 30–40 km off the coast of Nghệ An Province. One out of the two pilots survived.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At the time, there were some 32 Su-30MK2s in service.<ref name= "Vietnam">Template:Cite web</ref>
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan has ordered in total 24 Su-30SM fighters under three contracts. It received first four Su-30SMs under the first contract worth of RUB 5 billion in April 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A second contract for eight aircraft was signed in December 2015.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The first two aircraft of the second order were delivered in December 2016<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and another two in December 2017.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The third order for 12 more aircraft was approved in August 2017<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and eight aircraft were ordered in May 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The last four aircraft of the second contract were delivered in December 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It had 12 Su-30SMs in service as of December 2018.<ref name="Kazakhstan">Template:Cite web</ref>
Armenia
In January 2016, then Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan mentioned that Russia had discussed the possibility of supplying Su-30 fighters to Armenia during a four-day Russian-Armenian intergovernmental commission on bilateral military-technical cooperation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Armenia has ordered four Su-30SMs in February 2019, with deliveries expected to begin in 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> The country plans to acquire additional Su-30SM aircraft, according to the Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 27 December 2019, Armenia has received all four aircraft ahead of schedule. The aircraft landed at the Shirak Airport during a visit of Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan and Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Artak Davtyan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Armenia">Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2020, negotiations were under way to acquire a new batch of Su-30SM fighters, according to Armenian Defense Minister David Tonoyan.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In March 2021, Nikol Pashinyan, Prime Minister of Armenia, confirmed that Armenia bought Su-30SM fighters without missiles package from Russia.<ref name="without missiles 1">Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="without missiles 2">Template:Cite web</ref>
These aircraft were left unused in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war as a result of the purchase of aircraft without missiles.<ref name="without missiles 1"/><ref name="without missiles 2"/> On September 16, 2024, Armenia reached out to India for assistance in procuring Astra missiles for their Su-30s.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Assistance was also being sought from HAL for their expertise in upgrading the Su-30.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Belarus
In February 2016, Russia and Belarus concluded a preliminary agreement regarding to the export of an undisclosed number of Su-30s to Belarus.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref> On 20 June 2017, during the Le Bourget international air show, Belarus signed a contract to purchase 12 Su-30SMs under a deal worth US$600 million<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and were originally planned to be delivered in 2018.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Western embargoes on components delayed delivery, with the first four aircraft arriving at Baranovichi Air Base in November 2019, with four more planned to arrive to 2020 with deliveries completed in 2021.<ref name="ai220p27">Template:Cite magazine</ref> 8 additional Su-30s were scheduled to arrive in 2024.
Russian invasion of Ukraine
On 13 July 2024, a Russian Shahed drone entered Belarusian air space without authorization. A Belarusian Su-30 was sortied to intercept the drone. The drone eventually crashed in western Belarus, 60 miles west of Minsk.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Mongolia
The Mongolian Air Forces (MAF) have received a first Sukhoi Su-30SM "Flanker-H" multirole fighter aircraft from Russia on 31 March 2019. According Commander Mongolian Air Forces Colonel Enkhbayar said, the delivered aircraft are the remaining four Su-30SMs ordered under this first contract. Mongolian Air Forces a framework agreement signed its intention to buy 12 Su-30SMs from Russia. The total cost of the contract is $600 million.<ref>https://polygonjournal.com/2019/04/02/mongolia-receives-first-su-30sm-fighter-aircraft/</ref>
Potential operators
Iran
In February 2016, Iran's then Defense Minister Hossein Dehghan during his visit to Moscow announced that the country intends to buy an undisclosed number of Su-30SM fighters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Argentina
In 2021, Russia offered the Argentine Air Force a batch of 15 MiG-29 fighters and another batch of 12 Su-30 fighters and seeks also the sale of Yak-130 training jet and Mil Mi-17 helicopters.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Variants
Early variants
- Su-30 (Su-27PU) (Flanker-C)<ref name=ref1000>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=ref1001>Template:Cite web</ref>
- PU for Punkt Upravlenija - "Control Point" or Perechvatcik Uchebnyj - "Interceptor Trainer". Modernized Su-27UB - Uchebno - boyevoy - "Trainer / combat fighter". 5 units operated by the Russian Air Defence Forces.<ref name="Su-27PU"/>
- Su-30K
- Commercial (export) version of the basic Su-30. Initially 8 + 10 with French avionics were delivered to India with plans to upgrade to final Su-30MKI configuration, but later all 18 were returned to Russia, and 12 were resold to Angola.<ref name="Su-30MK"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> 2 were sold to Ethiopia.<ref name="ARE">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-27KI / Su-30KI
- Proposed export version for Indonesia and cancelled because of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. The prototype was converted from a Su-27SK in 1998, and then converted into the Su-27SKM prototype in 2003.Template:Sfn
- Su-30KN
- Proposed low-cost mid-life upgrade for the Su-30 including tactical strike. The prototype was converted from a production Su-30 and first flew in March 1999.Template:Sfn
- Su-30MK (Flanker-H)
- Upgraded Su-30 for tactical strike. The prototype was converted from the first production Su-30 and was displayed at the 1993 International Defence Exhibition. Mk stands for "upgraded export version" (modernizeerovannyy kommehrcheskiy.)Template:Sfn
Flanker-H family
- Su-30MKI (Flanker-H)Template:Sfn
- MKI for Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy Indiski - "Modernized Commercial Indian". An export version for India, jointly developed with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is the first Su-30 family member to feature thrust vectoring control (TVC) and canards. Equipped with a multinational avionics complex sourced from Russia, India, France and Israel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-30MKA (Flanker-H)
- A version of the Su-30MKI sold to Algeria. All of the Israeli equipment, like the head-up display and the digital map generator, is replaced by Indian equivalents.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-30MKM (Flanker-H)
- A derivative of the Russian-Indian Su-30MKI,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> the MKM is a highly specialized version for Royal Malaysian Air Force. It includes thrust vectoring control and canards but with avionics from various countries. It will feature head-up displays (HUD), navigational forward-looking IR system (NAVFLIR) and Damocles Laser Designation pod (LDP) from Thales Group of France, MAW-300 missile approach warning sensor (MAWS), RWS-50 RWR and laser warning sensor (LWS) from SAAB AVITRONICS (South Africa)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> as well as the Russian NIIP N011M Bars Passive electronically scanned array radar, electronic warfare (EW) system, optical-location system (OLS) and a glass cockpit.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
- Su-30SM (Flanker-H)<ref name=ref1009>Template:Cite web</ref>
- SM for Serijnyi Modernizirovannyi - "Serial Modernized". Announced 2011, a specialized version of the thrust-vectoring Su-30MKI for the VKS to be produced by the Irkut Corporation.<ref>Karnozov, Vladimir. "Russian air force orders thrust-vectoring Su-30SM fighters" Template:Webarchive. Flight International, 21 July 2011.</ref><ref name="DID_Su-30MKM">Template:Cite web</ref> NATO reporting name Flanker-H. The Su-30SM is considered a 4+ generation fighter jet.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The aircraft has been upgraded according to Russian military requirements for radar, radio communications systems, friend-or-foe identification system, ejection seats, weapons, and other aircraft systems.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="en.take-off.ru">Template:Cite web</ref> It is equipped with the N011M Bars radar with a maximum detection range 400 km, search range 200 km using a phased array antenna, frontal horizontal fins and steerable thrusters for supermaneuvrability as well as with wide-angle HUD. The aircraft can be used to gain air supremacy same as for targeting adversary on the ground using wide range of weapons including air-to-air, air-to-surface and guided and unguided bombs with total weapons weight up to 8,000 kg. It is also equipped with the one barrel, 30 mm GSh-30-1 autocannon. To ensure operations at major distances from airfield, the ability of in-flight refueling (IFR) is included.<ref name="DID_Su-30MKM" /><ref name="en.take-off.ru" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Besides that, for electronic warfare purposes two SAP-518 jamming pods can be fitted on the wing tips. The SAP-518 is designed to protect the aircraft from various air-to-air and surface-to-air missiles by creating false targets, jamming missile's guidance, enemy aircraft radars or ground and seaborne air defense.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- By 2020 the Su-30SM was outfitted with a Thales model 3022 HUD control system; at that time the Russians let the Belarusians acquire them.<ref name=db1/>
- Su-30SME (Flanker-H)
- Su-30SME is the export version of the Su-30SM, with foreign avionics of other Su-30MKI derivatives replaced with Russian systems, and the possible downgrade of certain systems such as the radar modes and fire control. It was unveiled at the Singapore Airshow 2016, and has been offered to Iran, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Myanmar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="Su-30 SME Rosoboronexport">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="keyaerosu-30sm2"/>
- Su-30SM2 (Flanker-H)
- Initially referred to it as SM1,<ref name="Su-30SM1" /> is an upgrade project of Russian Su-30SM fighters, equipped with the N035 Irbis radar and more powerful AL-41F1S engines of the Su-35S, with the goal to reduce operational costs when unifying the two fighters. The modernized fighters will also obtain new types of weapons, namely the KAB-250 aerial bombs, R-37M very long range air to air missile and Kh-59MK2 stealth cruise missile. First deliveries are scheduled for end-2020.<ref name="Su-30SM1">Template:Cite web</ref>
Flanker-G family
- Su-30MKK (Flanker-G)<ref name=ref1001/>
- MKK for Modernizirovanniy Kommercheskiy Kitayskiy - "Modernized Commercial for China". An export version for China. NATO reporting name Flanker-G.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-30MK2 (Flanker-G+)<ref name=ref1001/>
- Modernized Su-30MKK for China, Indonesia and Uganda with advanced avionics and weapons.
- Su-30MKV/Su-30MK2 AMV (Flanker-G+)
- Export version of Su-30MK2 for Venezuela is built on the same airframe as the Su-35.<ref name=ref>Template:Cite web</ref> To avoid confusion after Vietnam also placed an order for Su-30MK2, the designation for those ordered by Venezuela was changed from the original Su-30MKV to Su-30MK2 AMV with AMV standing for Aviacion Militar Venezolana (Venezuelan Military Aviation).<ref name=ref1>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-30MK2V (Flanker-G+)
- Export version of Su-30MK2 for Vietnam with modifications such as redesigned ejection seat to accommodate the smaller body frames of Vietnamese pilots, and other minor modification of upgrading communications gear.<ref name=ref1/> The original designation Su-30MKV caused confusion with those Su-30MK2s ordered by Venezuela, which already had Su-30MKV designation, so to avoid confusion, Su-30MK2s ordered by Vietnam was redesignated Su-30MK2V.<ref name=ref1/> Vietnam still internally designates it Su-30MK2 with the MK2V designation rarely used.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Su-30M2 (Flanker-G+)
- A Su-30MK2 version developed by KnAAPO. The Russian Air Force placed an initial order for the variant in 2009. Factory tests were completed in September 2010.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref><ref>"Su-27 Flanker Variants Overview" Template:Webarchive. Milavia, 18 February 2010.</ref><ref name="lenta1">Template:Cite web</ref> Twenty aircraft have been ordered; 4 in 2009 and 16 in 2012.<ref name="bmpd.livejournal.com">Template:Cite web</ref> At least 12 have been produced as of August 2014, all four from the first contract in 2009, and eight from the second contract of 2012.<ref name="bmpd.livejournal.com"/> They are mostly to be used as combat training aircraft for Su-30SM/SM2 and Su-35 fighters.
Operators
- Algerian Air Force – 59 Su-30MKA (2024)Template:Sfn
- Angolan Air Force – 12 Su-30K (2024)Template:Sfn
- Armenian Air Force – 4 Su-30SM (2024)Template:Sfn
- Belarusian Air Force – 8 Su-30SMs and Su-30SM2s in inventory as of August 2025, 4 ordered left for delivery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Ethiopian Air Force - 2 Su-30K (2024)Template:Sfn
- Indian Air Force – 261 Su-30MKI (2024)Template:Sfn – 12 ordered in late-2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Indonesian Air Force – 11 Su-30MK2 (2024)Template:Sfn
- Kazakh Air Force – 29 Su-30SM (2024)Template:Sfn – Approximately 8 delivered in 2024 out of an order for 12.<ref name="sipri_atd_767763">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Royal Malaysian Air Force – 18 Su-30MKM (2024)Template:Sfn
- Myanmar Air Force – 6 Su-30SME (2024), ordered in 2018 and delivered from 2022 to 2024<ref name="sipri_atd_822785">Template:Cite web</ref>
- People's Liberation Army Air Force – 24 Su-30MK2, 73 Su-30MKK (2024)Template:Sfn
- Russian Aerospace Forces – 19 Su-30M2, estimated 80 Su-30SM, 4+ Su-30SM2 (2024)Template:Sfn New deliveries were conducted in late 2023 and mid 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Russian Naval Aviation – Approximately 17 Su-30SM, and 8+ Su-30SM2 (2024).Template:Sfn Template:Update span
- Ugandan Air Force – 6 Su-30MK2 (2024)Template:Sfn
- Venezuelan Air Force – 21 Su-30MKV (2024)Template:Sfn
- Vietnam People's Air Force – 35 Su-30MK2V (2024)Template:Sfn
Specifications (Su-27PU/Su-30)
Accidents and notable incidents
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- On 12 June 1999, a Russian Su-30MK crashed at the Paris Air Show, Le Bourget, France. Both pilots ejected safely and no one was hurt on the ground.Template:Sfn
- On 22 September 2020, a Russian Su-30M2 was shot down by a Su-35S during air combat training which pitted two Su-35S against one Su-30M2. When the pilot of a Su-35S pulled the trigger to record the simulated hit, the jet fired a burst from its 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon, hitting the right wing of the Su-30M2, leaving the aircraft uncontrollable and forcing its crew to eject.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Between 1 and 6 of April 2022, a Russian Su-30SM, code 60 Red (RF-81771) was shot down by Ukrainian Forces near Izyums’Kyi District in the Kharkiv region.<ref>Aviation Safety Network: [1]</ref>
- On 23 October 2022, a Russian Su-30SM crashed into a residential building in the Siberian city of Irkutsk during a test flight. The two pilots died in the crash, but there were no casualties on the ground.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Investigators suspect that the aircraft's oxygen system had been refilled with nitrogen, which caused both pilots to become unconscious and lose control of the aircraft in flight.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 12 August 2023, a Russian Su-30 crashed in the Kaliningrad region during a training flight. Both airmen were killed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- On 16 October 2025, friendly fire shot down one Sukhoi Su-30SM over Crimea.<ref>https://www.zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/ukraine-krieg-russland-angriffe-pokrowsk-100.html</ref>
Notable appearances in media
See also
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References
Sources
Further reading
External links
- Official Template:Official website; Official Template:Official website and Template:Official website
- Su-30 page on milavia.net
- Sukhoi Flankers – The Shifting Balance of Regional Air Power
- Su-30 page on Fighter Tactics Academy site
- Asia's Advanced Flankers on ausairpower.net
- Sukhoi Su-30 photo pool on Flickr