Over the past several months, the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has continued progressing in the delivery of new combat aircraft to the Russian Armed Forces, with particular emphasis on the Aerospace Forces, which bear much of the burden of air operations in Ukraine. However, as the latest announcement indicates, the consortium is also continuing to provide fighters to the Russian Navy. Specifically, this refers to the delivery of a batch of Sukhoi Su-30SM2 fighter-bombers, one of the most modern variants of the Flanker family in service.
Officially designated as the Su-30SM2, this fighter-bomber is in service in Russia with both the Aerospace Forces and the Naval Aviation branch of the Navy. It has also been exported to Moscow’s allied countries, such as Belarus, which in recent months has received new units from the production line at the Irkutsk plant, as part of a larger order for 12 Su-30SM/SM2 fighters.
Among the main features of the Su-30SM2 is the incorporation of new equipment and avionics systems found on the Su-35S, the most modern variant of the family in service with the VKS. These upgrades focus on the integration of the Irbis-E PESA radar and AL-41F-1S engines.
Returning to the updates reported by UAC on November 21, the consortium confirmed the delivery of a new batch of aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Although it did not specify which branch of the Armed Forces they were intended for, images and videos circulating online confirm that the Su-30SM2s will be assigned to the Russian Navy, as they bear the distinctive St. Andrew’s flag on their fuselages.
As is often the case with this type of announcement, the exact number of aircraft delivered to Naval Aviation was not disclosed, but based on the images and videos, the batch appears to consist of two units—constituting the first recorded delivery for 2025.
The latest official deliveries of Su-30SM2 aircraft, as reported by UAC, took place in 2023, during the months of July and December, while no new deliveries were recorded in 2024.
Finally, Rostec stated: “The Su-30SM2 is considered one of the best aircraft and is highly valued by pilots. It is distinguished by its high maneuverability, excellent flight characteristics, and wide range of armament, including long-range systems. The aircraft can employ virtually all current types of air-launched weapons. Thanks to its powerful radar, the Su-30SM2 can ‘see’ farther and with greater precision, making the crew’s job easier. Its advanced electronic warfare system, in turn, enables the fighter to effectively counter enemy aerial attack assets. Aircraft of this type have demonstrated their effectiveness during the special military operation, having destroyed hundreds of aerial and ground targets, including Patriot systems.”
Photos: United Aircraft Corporation.
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