The Sukhoi Su-30 is a twin-engine, two-seat, multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft developed by the Russian company Sukhoi, notable for its super maneuverability. Designed for both air-to-air and air-to-surface attack missions, the Su-30 is especially built for deep air superiority operations and performs effectively in all weather conditions.
The Su-30 emerged as a continuation of the Sukhoi Su-27 family and was officially adopted by the Russian Ministry of Defense in 1996. Models such as the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35 from the Su-27 family were planned for limited or serial production by Russia. The Su-30 has two main manufacturers: KnAAPO and Irkut Corporation. KnAAPO produces the Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 variants for countries including China, Indonesia, Uganda, Venezuela, and Vietnam, while Irkut develops modern variants such as the Su-30MKI tailored to India’s requirements.
Among the Su-30’s advanced features are thrust vectoring and sophisticated avionics. For example, the Su-30MKI is equipped with a long-range phased array radar, canards, and ground attack capabilities. The aircraft’s maneuverability enables it to perform advanced aerobatic maneuvers like Pugachev’s Cobra, which allows it to break enemy radar lock and evade pursuing adversaries.
Powered by two Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, the Su-30 can reach speeds up to Mach 2 at high altitude. With its fuel capacity and aerial refueling system, it offers up to 10 hours of mission endurance and a range of 5,200 kilometers.
Introduced into service in Russia in the mid-1990s, the Su-30 has undergone modernization to the Su-30SM standard since 2012 and is extensively operated by both the Russian Air Force and Navy. Further modernization plans for the Su-30SM2 standard are ongoing.
The Su-30 is operated by many countries worldwide. Major operators include India (272 Su-30MKI), China (73 Su-30MKK and 24 Su-30MK2), Venezuela (22 Su-30MKV), Algeria (58 Su-30MKA), and Russia (approximately 130 Su-30 variants in total).
Technical Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 21.935 m
- Wingspan: 14.7 m
- Height: 6.36 m
- Empty Weight: 17,700 kg
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 34,500 kg
- Engines: 2 × Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, 122.58 kN afterburner thrust each
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2 (2,120 km/h)
- Range: 3,000 km
- Service Ceiling: 17,300 m
- Rate of Climb: 230 m/s
Armament
- Main Gun: 1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (150 rounds)
- Pylons: 12 with a total capacity of 8,000 kg
- Rockets: S-8, S-13, S-25
- Air-to-Air Missiles: R-27, R-73, RVV-AE
- Air-to-Surface Missiles: Kh-29, Kh-59
- Anti-Ship Missiles: Kh-31A
- Anti-Radiation Missiles: Kh-31P
- Bombs: Various general-purpose and laser-guided bombs such as KAB-500KR, FAB-500T, RBK-500
Avionics
- Bar antenna radar
- OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
- OLS-30 infrared search and track system
- SPO-15 radar warning system
The Sukhoi Su-30 remains one of the most successful and preferred fighter jets in modern air combat technology, thanks to its maneuverability and versatile mission capabilities. Actively used by numerous countries around the world, the Su-30 continues to play a vital role in regional air superiority and multi-role strike missions.
