What is the Future for the Su-30?

16 September 2020

Su-30SM2 the latest version of Su-30, will make its first flight by the end of 2020 (photo : aerospace_technologist)

More than 550 Su-30 fighters have been exported by Russia, including more than 350 for the Indian Air Force, its largest customer, and 97 to China, its first foreign customer.

In 1997, China purchased the Su-30MKK variant specializing in a maritime strike role to counter US naval threats in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait, and continued to purchase 73 versions of the MKK, 24 more aircraft of the Su-30MK2 variant within 7 years, before switching to domestic production of fighters.

India, for its part, produces a version under a license to this day called the Su-30MKI - which is significantly more expensive than those in the Russian or US squadron due to high production costs in India. and integration of non-Russian systems.

According to Military Watch, only two Su-30 deals have been made outside Asia and Africa, with Venezuela and Belarus buying 24 Su-30MK2 and 12 Su-30SM so far as capable aircraft. most of them.

The Su-30 is especially popular in Southeast Asia for its durability, flexibility and survivability in both sea and air-to-air strike missions, deployed by Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Myanmar recently ordered the 30SM variant.

Besides Myanmar, the most recent orders come from Armenia, Kazakhstan and Belarus, all buying the most advanced variant of the Su-30SM. Angola bought older Su-30K variants after they were briefly operated by the Indian Air Force and then modernized in Belarus.

Although the Su-30 has yet to penetrate the lucrative Middle East markets, when Syria and Yemen are the only Russian fighter customers in the region and both countries, suffer heavy economic losses. after nearly ten years of civil war, prefers the lighter and cheaper MiG-29. However, this could change in the near future.

Several countries have shown a significant interest in the Su-30SM, most notably Iran, which is believed to have considered plans to produce more than 100 under license from Russia.

An Iranian order for at least one premium fighter is expected to be announced by the end of 2020, when a Western-drafted UN arms embargo against the country will be lifted in October 2020 as part of the nuclear deal terms.

The Su-30SM is the top candidate, although it will have to compete with other promising platforms such as the lighter but more modern MiG-35, and China's J-10C. Other possible operators of the Su-30 include Sri Lanka, which has expressed interest in buying about half a dozen old Su-30s.

Ethiopia has operated the Su-27 and is seeking to replace its MiG-23s with a modern strike aircraft amid rising tensions with some of its neighbors.

Azerbaijan is also considering the type of aircraft to replace aging MiG-29A fighters, and in response to Armenia's acquisition of the Su-30SM, it is assumed they are considering using the Su-35, MiG-35 and Su-30SM. Egypt could also be the top potential customer after purchasing the Su-35, as the two aircraft are highly compatible with each other.

Several new upgrades to the Su-30 are currently planned, including an integrated AL-41 engine to enhance maneuverability, the addition of new and more powerful radars, new hypersonic missiles for both anti-ship and air-to-air roles. These are expected to significantly improve the popularity of the Su-30 in the international market.

However, it remains to be seen whether the Russian Air Force will continue to purchase the Su-30 after 2027, when their current state armament plan will come to an end. Many analysts predict that further orders for this and other aircraft will be cut so that the Russian Air Force will focus on more advanced designs - namely the Su-57 and MiG-41.

It is still possible that the Su-30 will still be produced for export - or even under license in Iran - or Russia will somehow merge the Su-30 and Su-35 production lines to produce. Exports a single class fighter with a twin seat configuration.

(Soha)