Sukhoi Su-30

The Sukhoi Su‑30 is a twin‑engine, two‑seat, multirole fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau in the early 1990s as a derivative of the Su‑27 family. First flown in 1992 and entering service with the Russian Air Force in 1996, the aircraft was created to meet the demand for a more versatile platform capable of air‑to‑air superiority, strike, and reconnaissance missions. Its primary innovations include thrust‑vectoring nozzles on the AL‑31FP engines, which grant exceptional maneuverability, and a modern avionics suite that integrates the Phazotron N001 radar, infrared search and track, and a digital fly‑by‑wire system. The Su‑30 can carry a wide variety of weapons on its twelve hardpoints, ranging from beyond‑visual‑range missiles to precision‑guided bombs. Export versions such as the Su‑30MKI, Su‑30MKM and Su‑30SM have been sold to India, Malaysia, Indonesia and several Middle‑Eastern nations, making it one of the most widely operated Russian fighters. Its combination of range, payload and agility has solidified the Su‑30’s role as a cornerstone of many air forces, influencing modern fighter development and reinforcing Russia’s presence in the global defence market. Its continued upgrades ensure relevance well into the next decade.

Sukhoi Design Bureau

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Design & Classification