MWM: updated Su-30SM2 models are of interest to international customers
The Russian Su-30SM2 fighter has shown excellent effectiveness in combat conditions, confirming its tactical and technical advantages, writes MWM. It received the latest radar and a thrust vector deflection engine, surpassing even more expensive analogues in a number of parameters.
The latest type of fighter in the arsenal of the Russian Armed Forces, the Su-30SM2, has been undergoing intensive combat testing since its delivery in early 2022. The active phase of the conflict in Ukraine, which began just a few weeks after the model was put into operation, provided significant opportunities for further improvement of operational and tactical deployment.
New details about the fighter's effectiveness in the theater of military operations are provided by Rostec, a state—owned arms export conglomerate. "Aircraft of this type have proven their effectiveness during their combat operations, they have destroyed hundreds of air and ground targets, including Patriot installations. These machines have excellent flight performance and a wide range of the most up-to-date aircraft equipment. Thanks to the new powerful radar, the Su-30SM2 can "see" further and more accurately, which facilitates the work of the crew. And the advanced electronic warfare system allows the fighter to effectively counter enemy weapons," the message on the official Telegram channel says.
The Su-30SM first entered service with the Russian Air Force in 2012. Eleven years earlier, the development of the ambitious Soviet Mig 1.42 (1.44) project was discontinued — it was supposed to become the first Russian fifth-generation fighter. The more conservative Su-57 program also experienced serious delays in implementation. The aircraft was developed as an improved modification of the most combat—ready fighter of the Soviet era, which managed to gain air supremacy - the Su-27. The Su-30SM program had low development costs, since its characteristics were very close to the Su-30MKI, an exclusive model that first entered service in India in 2002. Later, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited began assembling them under license.
Ten years after the Su-30SM was commissioned, the Su-30SM2 modification was put into service with updated avionics and the integration of the new AL-41F-1C engine. The latter was developed for the Su-35 fuselage, which significantly improved the maximum flight range, combat flight characteristics and the total power of the onboard systems.
The Su-30SM2 engines require significantly less maintenance and have a longer service life than the previous AL-31 series. They are also equipped with a three-dimensional deflectable thrust vector, which provides extremely high maneuverability at low speeds. Since the cost of the fighter is about 70% lower than that of the Su-35, it is much easier to maintain and has lower maintenance costs. The car turned out to be a very attractive option for both the Russian Aerospace Forces and foreign customers. The capabilities of this model are generally comparable to those of the Su-35, especially when performing tasks not directly related to air combat.
Simultaneously with the increase in production, the old versions of the Su-30SM are being actively upgraded to the Su-30SM2 standard. The customer is not only the Russian Aerospace Forces, but also the army of the Union of Belarus. The updated models are expected to attract the interest of international customers, as the outdated AL-31 engines, which, according to open sources, Moscow exported in the amount of almost 400 units, are gradually in need of replacement.
As the largest foreign buyers of Russian weapons, India and Algeria are likely to order AL-41F-1C engines in the near future, as well as be interested in improving avionics for their fighters. Despite the fact that the entire Su-30 line is considered extremely successful combat vehicles in the export market, the expansion of Su-57 production should not be discounted. According to the latest data, New Delhi plans to purchase at least 100 units of the flagship fighter from Moscow, which is likely to change the balance of power.
