The Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ) has manufactured and handed over to the Russian Air and Space Forces a new batch of Su-30SM2 multirole fighters, the United Aircraft Corporation said.
“The IAZ is fulfilling the production plan for the new aircraft in a timely manner. The transferred Su-30SM2s have undergone a set of ground and flight tests confirming their readiness for operation. The delivery is part of IAZ’s plan to fulfil the state defence order,” UAC said.
The Su-30SM2 is an upgraded version of the fighters in service with the Russian Air Force. The new aircraft are equipped with a modernised complex of onboard electronic equipment, which significantly expands their combat capabilities. In particular, the N011 “Bars” radar station has been replaced by the N035 “Irbis”, which is standard on the Su-35S and allows the aircraft to detect and identify aerial targets at long ranges.
In addition, the armament includes new high-precision weapons that expand the range of targets that the Su-30SM2 can engage, both in the air, on land and at sea.
The decision to purchase Su-30SM2 fighters was made by the Russian Ministry of Defence in 2020. Under the contract, 21 Su-30SM2 fighters and 25 Yak-130 trainer aircraft are to be delivered, with the total value of the contract totalling more than RUB 100bn.
In order to unify the Su-30SM2 with the Su-35S, a plan has been developed to upgrade the modification in stages. It is planned to replace the AL-31FP engines currently installed on the Su-30SM2 with the more powerful AL-41F-1S engines used on the Su-35S. The first Su-30SM2s with the new engines are expected to enter service in the second half of 2025.
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