The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced the delivery of a new batch of advanced Su-30SM2 multirole fighters to Russian Naval Aviation. The aircraft were manufactured at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant under a government contract, according to the UAC press release.
Each Su-30SM2 underwent thorough ground and flight trials before transferring to its designated operational unit. UAC officials highlighted that these aircraft have demonstrated high combat effectiveness during recent Russian military operations, successfully engaging a range of air and ground targets—including NATO assets—under challenging conditions.
This shipment marks the first reported delivery of Su-30SM2 fighters to Russian Naval Aviation in 2025. Earlier this year, two other batches of the same type entered service with the Belarusian Air Force and Air Defense Forces: one in January and another on August 14. UAC has not disclosed the number of aircraft or tail numbers delivered since 2022, consistent with current security protocols.
The Su-30SM2 is the latest evolution of the proven Su-30SM platform. UAC CEO Vadim Badeha pointed to rising production rates and ongoing technical upgrades, with a particular focus on modernizing onboard avionics, electronic warfare systems, and expanding the range of precision-guided munitions—including long-range weapons that enhance operational flexibility.
Upgrades to the radar now allow extended tracking range and improved detection against small or multiple coordinated targets. The enhanced electronic warfare suite features new modes for countering a broad spectrum of aerial threats, while updated defensive software improves aircraft survivability against modern air defense systems.
A Russian Naval Aviation pilot involved in the acceptance process emphasized the practical benefits of the Su-30SM2’s two-seat configuration for naval roles. The cockpit facilitates long-duration escort and maritime patrol missions, where complex navigation and sustained workload require effective teamwork. “This crew arrangement improves endurance on extended sorties and helps distribute responsibilities during multi-target engagements,” the pilot explained.
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