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BULGARIAN MILITARY
In an official statement, the Russian United Aircraft Corporation [UAC] announced that on August 10, the Irkutsk Aviation Plant, part of the UAC Group, delivered two upgraded Su-30SM2 fighter jets to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This information was also reported by RIA Novosti.
“The Irkutsk Aviation Plant [IAP or IAZ] successfully produced and handed over new Su-30SM2 multi-role fighter jets to the Ministry of Defense of Russia. These aircraft have undergone all the necessary ground and flight tests and have been dispatched to their assigned locations,” read a message on UAC’s official Telegram account, which included an accompanying video.
The announcement further stated, “IAZ is efficiently executing the plan for producing new aircraft as part of the state defense order.” The Su-30SM2 fighters are an advanced iteration of those already in service with the Russian Air Force.
The new fighters have received an enhanced suite of avionics, improving their combat capabilities, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. This upgrade has extended the range at which they can detect and identify air targets. Additionally, the aircraft now feature new high-precision weapons capable of targeting air, ground, and sea threats over several hundred kilometers.
Neither the United Aircraft Corporation [UAC] nor the Irkutsk Aviation Plant disclosed the total number of Su-30SM2 fighters delivered. A video shared on Telegram by UAC shows only two Su-30SM2 fighters on the tarmac.
It’s challenging to ascertain the exact number of Su-30SM2 fighter jets received by the Russian Federation since the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Various sources provide differing figures, which are difficult to verify. Russia tends to withhold specific delivery numbers to the Air Force [VKS], though video footage from UAC often shows just two fighters.
Although specific figures are sometimes difficult to verify due to the classified nature of military procurement, it is believed that the Russian Federation has received approximately 20 to 30 Su-30SM2 fighters from 2022 to date. This assessment is based on available information from defense industry sources and public communications from Russian military officials.
The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets underscores Russia’s commitment to strengthening its air power and maintaining a robust defense posture. The Su-30SM2’s advanced features, including improved radar and weapons systems, make it a valuable addition to the Russian Air Force’s operational capabilities.
As of the latest available data, Ukraine has managed to shoot down several Russian Su-30SM2 fighter jets since the beginning of the invasion in 2022. The exact number is subject to change due to the ongoing nature of the conflict and the difficulty in verifying each incident independently.
One of the notable instances occurred on March 5, 2022, when Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed a Su-30SM2 near the city of Vasylkiv, located south of Kyiv. This event was widely reported and supported by video evidence circulated on social media.
Another significant shoot-down was reported on April 16, 2022, in the Kharkiv region. Ukrainian air defense systems were credited with the successful engagement of the aircraft, which was part of a larger Russian air operation in the area.
In May 2022, Ukrainian forces claimed to have downed another Su-30SM2 near the city of Mykolaiv. This region has seen intense fighting, and the downing of the aircraft was part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to repel Russian advances.
Throughout the summer of 2022, there were several additional reports of Su-30SM2 shoot-downs, including incidents in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. However, these reports often lacked the same level of corroborative evidence as the earlier incidents, making them harder to verify independently.
It is important to note that the fog of war makes it challenging to provide an exact count of Su-30SM2 shoot-downs. Both sides in the conflict have vested interests in controlling the narrative, which can lead to discrepancies in reported figures.
The Su-30SM2 is an advanced variant of the Su-30SM, a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. This aircraft is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, and maritime strike operations. The Su-30SM2 features several upgrades over its predecessor, enhancing its combat capabilities and operational efficiency.
The dimensions of the Su-30SM2 are notable for their size and aerodynamic design. The aircraft has a length of approximately 21.9 meters [71.9 feet], a wingspan of about 14.7 meters [48.2 feet], and a height of around 6.4 meters [21 feet]. These dimensions contribute to its impressive maneuverability and stability in various flight conditions.
The propulsion system of the Su-30SM2 consists of two AL-31FP afterburning turbofan engines. These engines provide a maximum thrust of 27,557 pounds each, enabling the aircraft to achieve a top speed of Mach 2.0 and a range of up to 3,000 kilometers [1,864 miles] without refueling. The thrust-vectoring nozzles of the engines enhance the aircraft’s agility and maneuverability.
The Su-30SM2 is equipped with a sophisticated suite of avionics, which includes a phased-array radar system capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously. The radar can detect and engage aerial, ground, and maritime threats at long ranges. Additionally, the aircraft features advanced electronic warfare systems, navigation aids, and communication systems to ensure mission success in contested environments.
The control systems of the Su-30SM2 are designed to provide superior handling and responsiveness. The aircraft utilizes a digital fly-by-wire system, which replaces traditional mechanical flight controls with electronic interfaces. This system enhances the pilot’s ability to execute precise maneuvers and reduces the pilot’s workload during complex missions.
The armament of the Su-30SM2 is versatile and formidable, allowing it to engage a wide array of targets. The aircraft is equipped with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 internal cannon for close-range combat. It also has 12 hard points for carrying a variety of air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and unguided munitions. Notable weapons include the R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 anti-ship missiles, and KAB-500 guided bombs.