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Sukhoi Su-30

Sukhoi · Fighter / Attack · Russia · Modern (1992–2009)

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The Sukhoi Su-30 (NATO reporting name Flanker-C) is a Russian twin-engine, two-seat, supersonic multirole fighter developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau as a multirole derivative of the Su-27 air-superiority family. First flown in 1989, it entered Soviet/Russian service in 1992, though full fielding waited for later variants. National-specific versions include the Su-30M (Russia), Su-30MKI (India — the dominant variant), Su-30MKK/MK2 (China), Su-30MKM (Malaysia), Su-30SM (Russia), and the latest Su-30SM2. More than 700 airframes have been built across the family, making it the highest-volume member of the Su-27 lineage. Operators include Russia, India, China, Algeria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Venezuela, Uganda, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Armenia.

The airframe runs 71 ft (21.9 m) long with a 48-ft (14.7 m) wingspan, sharing its basic geometry with the Su-27 and Su-35. Empty weight is roughly 39,300 lb; maximum take-off weight is 76,000 lb. Propulsion comes from AL-31F afterburning turbofans (Su-30K/Su-30M) or thrust-vectoring AL-31FP units (Su-30MKI/SM/SM2), each producing 17,800-19,400 lbf dry and 27,600-31,900 lbf in afterburner. Top speed is Mach 2.0 (around 1,330 mph at altitude), service ceiling 56,000 ft, and typical combat radius about 800 nmi. The aircraft carries a tandem cockpit for pilot and weapons-systems officer, an AESA-equivalent radar on the latest builds, thrust-vectoring nozzles on AL-31FP-equipped jets, a glass cockpit, and a wide weapons fit covering Russian and customer-specific stores.

The Indian Air Force fields the largest single-nation Su-30 fleet, with more than 250 Su-30MKI in service, integrated through DRDO net-centric warfare links and Indian-specific upgrades. The MKI flew during the 2019 Balakot tensions with Pakistan and on subsequent India-Pakistan border operations. The Chinese Su-30MKK/MK2 (over 80 delivered) served as a stepping-stone toward the indigenous J-11 and J-16. Russia's Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 have been used heavily in the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022 onward, with combat losses on both sides of the type's missions. Production of more than 700 airframes continues at Sukhoi's KnAAPO and Irkut plants for both Russian and export customers.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Sukhoi Su-30 is a Russian two-seat multi-role fighter, based on the Su-27. The Su-30 first flew in 1989 and is one of Russia's most successful exports. India, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Algeria, Venezuela, and others have all bought Su-30s.

The Su-30 has two Saturn AL-31F engines together making over 55,000 pounds of thrust. Top speed is Mach 2, faster than a rifle bullet. The plane carries a 30 mm cannon plus 12 weapon stations under the wings and body. Two crew sit one behind the other, with the pilot in front and a weapons officer behind.

The Su-30 can do air combat, ground strike, and naval attack. The Indian Air Force flies 272 Su-30MKI versions, the world's largest Su-30 user. India helped Sukhoi design the MKI with French electronics and Israeli systems mixed with Russian parts. Each Su-30 costs about $50 million, less than a Western fighter.

About 630 Su-30s have been built since 1992. The newer Su-30SM2 version, introduced in 2022, has better radar and missiles. Russia plans to keep building Su-30s through the 2030s. The Su-30 is one of Russia's most numerous and exported modern fighters.

Fun Facts

India flies 272 Su-30MKI fighters, the world's largest Su-30 fleet.
Top speed is Mach 2, faster than a rifle bullet.
About 630 Su-30s have been built since 1992.
The Su-30 has 12 weapon stations, more than most fighters.
Each Su-30 costs about $50 million, less than a Western fighter.
China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Algeria, and many others fly Su-30s.
The Indian Su-30MKI mixes Russian, French, and Israeli electronics.

Kids’ Questions

How is it different from a Su-27?

The Su-30 is a two-seat version of the single-seat Su-27. The Su-27 is a pure air-combat fighter; the Su-30 also does ground strike and naval attack. The Su-30 has more advanced radar, more weapons, and a second crew member for those extra missions. The Su-27 is faster and more agile because it's lighter.

What is the MKI version?

The Su-30MKI is India's special version. India worked with Sukhoi to add French and Israeli electronics to the Russian airframe. The MKI has a fly-by-wire flight system, thrust-vectoring engines (the nozzles can tilt for tight turns), and a unique mix of weapons from many countries. It is the most advanced Su-30 in the world.

How does it compare to an F-15?

The Su-30 and F-15 Eagle are similar in size, with two engines and two seats (the F-15E has two seats). The Su-30 is more maneuverable thanks to its thrust-vectoring engines. The F-15 has better radar and Western weapons. The Su-30 is cheaper and easier to buy for countries the U.S. won't sell F-15s to.

Variants

Su-30 (initial 1992): Original 1992 production variant. Limited Soviet/Russian use. Around 5 produced.
Su-30M / Su-30MK (export): Initial export builds with AL-31F engines. Roughly 50 delivered to early customer nations.
Su-30MKI (Indian Air Force, 2002+): IAF flagship variant with AL-31FP thrust-vectoring engines and Israeli, Indian, Russian, and French avionics integration. More than 250 delivered through 2024 — the largest single-nation Su-30 fleet.
Su-30MKK / Su-30MK2 (Chinese): PLAAF and PLAN Aviation variants. Over 80 delivered, serving as a stepping-stone to indigenous J-11/J-16 production.
Su-30SM / Su-30SM2 (current Russian): Current Russian Aerospace Forces variants. Su-30SM2 from 2019 introduces AL-41F1S engines and updated mission systems. More than 120 delivered, combat-deployed extensively in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Su-30MKM / MK / MKA (other export): Customer-specific export versions: Malaysia (Su-30MKM, 18), Algeria (Su-30MKA, 58), Venezuela (Su-30MK2, 22), Vietnam (Su-30MK2, 36), Uganda (Su-30MK2, 6).

Notable Operators

Indian Air Force: Largest operator with more than 250 Su-30MKI in service across IAF squadrons. Combat-deployed during the 2019 Balakot tensions and subsequent India-Pakistan border operations.
Russian Aerospace Forces: More than 120 Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 in service. Combat-deployed extensively in the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022 onward.
Chinese PLAAF / PLAN Aviation: Over 80 Su-30MKK and Su-30MK2 in service. Used as a stepping-stone to indigenous J-11 and J-16 production.
Other foreign operators (10+ nations): Algeria, Vietnam, Malaysia, Venezuela, Indonesia, Uganda, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Armenia among them. Total Su-30 export operators exceed 12 nations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Su-30MKI differ from Russian Su-30?

The Su-30MKI carries Indian-specific changes that go well beyond a baseline Su-30. It uses thrust-vectoring AL-31FP engines (predating the Su-35's thrust-vectoring), an Indian-developed BVR PESA radar with DRDO mission systems, Israeli HUD, helmet-mounted display and EW kit, and French Thales NG-100 navigation equipment. The combined Indian-Russian-Israeli-French integration sets it apart from the baseline Russian aircraft. Indian-built airframes from the HAL Nashik facility keep production cost-effective. The Su-30MKI is among the IAF's flagship platforms and has flown in India-Pakistan operations.

What was the 2019 Balakot operation?

In February 2019 India-Pakistan tensions escalated after the Pulwama suicide bombing on an Indian Army convoy on 14 February 2019, which killed 40 Indian paramilitary personnel. The Indian Air Force conducted the Balakot air strike on 26 February 2019, with Mirage 2000s hitting an alleged Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp at Balakot, Pakistan, around 50 nmi inside Pakistani territory. The Pakistan Air Force responded on 27 February 2019 with strikes against Indian military targets. The ensuing engagement pulled in Indian Su-30MKI and MiG-21 fighters against Pakistani F-16 and JF-17. Multiple Su-30MKI engaged the F-16s; one Indian MiG-21 was lost, with pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan captured and later returned. Balakot was the largest India-Pakistan air engagement since 1971 and saw the Su-30MKI's most prominent combat use.

Has Su-30 been used in Russia-Ukraine war?

Yes, extensively. Russian Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 have flown throughout the Russia-Ukraine war from 2022 onward, with multiple airframes lost to Ukrainian air defences and air-to-air engagements. Russian Su-30s have flown air-superiority missions against Ukrainian aircraft and air-to-ground strikes using Kh-29, Kh-31, and Kh-35 missiles. Combat performance has reflected both the platform's strengths and limitations in Russian doctrine.

How many Su-30 are in service?

Around 600-700 Su-30 family aircraft are in active service globally as of 2026, out of roughly 700 produced. India operates more than 250, Russia more than 120, and China more than 80, with another 150-200 spread across other foreign operators. Production continues at Sukhoi's KnAAPO and Irkut facilities for both domestic and export variants. The Su-30 family is the largest Russian-design fighter family in active global service and remains a leading non-Western fighter line.

Sources

Sukhoi — Su-30 family
Wikipedia — Sukhoi Su-30 — CC BY-SA.