The United States military discreetly purchased two Russian-made Su-27 Flanker fighters in the mid-2000s to support advanced training and intelligence programs, according to historical procurement disclosures and defense industry sources. The acquisition, carried out through a foreign contractor, enabled U.S. pilots and analysts to study one of Russia’s most widely deployed air superiority fighters under controlled conditions.

Background: Why the Su-27 Flanker Matters

The Su-27 Flanker, developed by the Soviet Union in the late Cold War, was designed as a direct counter to the U.S. F-15 Eagle. With its Mach 2.35 top speed, high-agility aerodynamics, long operational range, and powerful radar suite, the aircraft became a cornerstone of Russian and allied air forces.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, several former republics inherited Su-27s. Limited budgets and shifting defense priorities made some of these aircraft available for legal export or refurbishment—creating rare opportunities for Western governments to obtain and evaluate frontline Russian platforms.

For the United States, having access to a real Su-27 Flanker offered significant advantages in understanding the design philosophy, strengths, limitations, and maneuver characteristics of a potential adversary aircraft.

Acquisition Through a Third-Party Contractor

The two Su-27 Flanker fighters were purchased through Tac Air, a private contractor specializing in adversary air support. Reports indicate that the aircraft originated from Ukraine’s surplus stock and were transferred after refurbishment and demilitarization processes aligned with export-control regulations.

While the exact purchase price was never publicly disclosed, defense analysts estimate that foreign-origin Flankers sold on the legal market typically range between $5–$15 million per unit depending on airframe hours and equipment installed.

The aircraft were shipped to a secure U.S. facility where engineers completed airworthiness evaluations and maintenance work prior to flight testing.

Purpose: Evaluation and Aggressor Training

Once in U.S. custody, the Su-27 Flanker fighters played key roles in:

1. Reverse-Engineering and Technical Evaluation

Analysts examined the aircraft’s radar cross-section, avionics architecture, radar performance parameters, and aerodynamic handling. Understanding these systems allowed the U.S. to refine both defensive countermeasures and fighter engagement strategies.

2. Adversary Air (Red Air) Training

Trained contractor pilots flew the Su-27 Flanker in simulated combat missions against U.S. fighters such as the F-15, F-16, and later the F-22 and F-35. First-hand exposure enabled American pilots to understand how the Flanker behaves during high-G maneuvers, low-speed engagements, and beyond-visual-range fights.

These sessions offered insights impossible to replicate through simulators alone.

3. Tactics Development

The Air Force’s Weapons School and intelligence community used data gathered from the aircraft to develop new tactics, techniques, and procedures for countering Russian-designed fighters widely exported to Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

Expert Perspectives

Defense aviation expert Richard Aboulafia has noted that access to real foreign fighters gives the U.S. “a training and analytical advantage that no simulator or mock-up can replicate.”

Former Air Combat Command officials have similarly stated that assessments of authentic adversary aircraft significantly improve pilot situational understanding during air-to-air engagements.

Additionally, analysts highlight that the widespread global use of the Su-27 Flanker family—including its modern derivatives like the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35—makes direct exposure strategically valuable for the United States.

Strategic Significance

The acquisition reflects a long-standing U.S. practice of obtaining foreign combat aircraft whenever legally and practically feasible. Past examples include MiG-21s from Indonesia, Iraqi MiG-23s, and the well-known secretive “Red Eagles” squadron of the 1980s.

For the Su-27 Flanker, this access became especially relevant as Russia exported advanced variants to countries such as China, India, Vietnam, and Algeria. Understanding the aircraft’s baseline capabilities helped the U.S. anticipate how these fleets might operate in real-world scenarios.

What’s Next?

Although the two original Su-27 Flanker aircraft acquired by the U.S. are no longer believed to be flying, their legacy continues to influence American air combat programs. The rise of contractor-run adversary air units and increasing demand for dissimilar air combat training may prompt future interest in acquiring other foreign-origin platforms, especially as geopolitical tensions rise.

Meanwhile, the widespread deployment of advanced Flanker-family aircraft worldwide ensures that the insights gained from these airframes will remain relevant for years to come.

Su-27 Flanker Fighter Jet – Full Specifications

Su-27 Flanker Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Sukhoi
Category: Fighter Jets
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• Generation 4th Generation
• Maximum Speed Mach 2.35
• No. of Engines 2
• Radar Range 80–100 km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Su-27 “Flanker”
Manufacturer	Sukhoi Design Bureau
Country of Origin	Soviet Union (Russia)
Type / Role	Air Superiority Fighter
Generation	4th Generation
Status	In Service
First Flight	May 20, 1977
Introduction / In Service Since	1985
Number Built	Over 700
Operators	Russia, China, Ukraine, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Belarus

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m (72 ft)
Wingspan	14.7 m (48 ft)
Height	5.9 m (19 ft)
Wing Area	62 m²
Empty Weight	16,380 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	30,450 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	10

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h)
Range	3,530 km
Combat Radius	1,340 km
Service Ceiling	19,000 m (62,500 ft)
Rate of Climb	325 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.07
G Limits	+9G

Powerplant

Engine Type	Saturn AL-31F Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	27,500 lbf (122.6 kN)
Thrust Vectoring	No (Su-27 base model)
Fuel Capacity	9,400 kg internal

Armament

Gun	30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-27, R-73, R-77
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-29, Kh-31
Bombs	FAB-series general-purp
Hardpoints	10
Payload Capacity	8,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	N001 Myech Pulse-Doppler
Radar Range	80–100 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	SPO-15 Beryoza RWR
Targeting System	IRST & Helmet-Mounted Sight
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	Inertial + GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Basic analog system
Communication	Secure UHF/VHF

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	10–15 m²
Stealth Features	Non
Infrared Signature Reduction	Minimal
Sensor Fusion	No
Networking Capabilities	Limited datalink

Variants

Special Export Versions

Su-27SK

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Ethiopia–Eritrea War, Ukraine conflict
Notable Operators	Russia, China, India (as Su-30MK), Ukraine
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air Superiority, Interception, Escort, Patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$30–40 million USD
Development Cost	Classified (Soviet-era)
Program Name	PFI Program (Perspective Frontline Fighter)
Funding Countries	Soviet Union

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Radar and avionics modernization
Future Replacement	Su-35S, Su-57
Export Restrictions	Limited to friendly nations
Notable Achievements	Set multiple world records for climb rate
Competitors	F-15 Eagle, MiG-29, Rafale

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.2

• Technology 9 / 10
• Performance 8 / 10
• Firepower 8 / 10
• Range & Endurance 8 / 10
• Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

1. Exceptional range and endurance
2. Highly maneuverable airframe
3. Powerful twin-engine thrust
4. Proven combat record
5. Extensive global operator base

CONS

1. Outdated avionics compared to modern jets
2. Lacks stealth features
3. High radar cross-section
4. Limited multirole capability in base model
5. Maintenance-intensive

Su-27 Flanker: Russia’s Air Superiority Fighter

Developed by the Soviet Union’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, the Su-27 “Flanker” remains one of the most capable and recognizable fourth-generation fighter jets in the world. Conceived in response to the U.S. F-15 Eagle during the late Cold War, the Su-27 was designed to ensure Soviet air superiority against advanced Western aircraft. Its blend of range, agility, and firepower continues to make it relevant in modern combat environments.

Powered by twin Saturn AL-31F turbofan engines, the Su-27 can reach speeds of Mach 2.35 and altitudes exceeding 57,000 feet. With an operational range of nearly 2,200 miles, it provides the Russian Air Force with deep strike and patrol capabilities. The aircraft’s 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and up to 10 hardpoints for air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles make it a formidable adversary in both interception and multirole operations.

Avionics on the Su-27 Flanker Fighter Jet include the N001 radar, offering detection ranges of up to 80–100 km against fighter-sized targets. Its infrared search and track (IRST) system and helmet-mounted sight enhance situational awareness and missile cueing. Though lacking stealth, the Su-27’s aerodynamic design and supermaneuverability—achieved through relaxed static stability and powerful thrust vectoring in later variants—make it one of the most agile fighters of its era.

Modernized derivatives such as the Su-30, Su-33, and Su-35 trace their lineage to the original Su-27 platform, underscoring its robust design and long-term adaptability.

Su-27 Flanker Fighter Jet Price in US

The Su-27 Flanker’s estimated unit cost is between $30–40 million USD, depending on configuration and export version. While not operated by the U.S., it is often studied by Western analysts and featured in training simulations for its performance benchmark role against American fighters like the F-15 and F-16.

FAQs – Su-27 Fighter Jet

Is the Su-27 a Flanker?

Yes. The Su-27’s NATO reporting name is “Flanker”. This codename was assigned during the Cold War to identify Soviet aircraft in NATO’s system. The “Flanker” designation applies to the Su-27 and its subsequent derivatives, including the Su-30, Su-33, and Su-35.

Why is the Su-30 called Flanker?

The Su-30 is a direct evolution of the Su-27 airframe, which is why NATO also classifies it under the same “Flanker” family. Although upgraded with modern avionics, radar, and multirole capability, the Su-30 retains much of the Su-27’s aerodynamic structure and design lineage—hence its continued “Flanker” naming convention.

Is the Su-27 better than the F-15?

The Su-27 and F-15 Eagle were designed as counterparts during the Cold War. While the Su-27 offers superior maneuverability, range, and high-altitude performance, the F-15 generally holds an advantage in avionics, radar, and precision-guided weapon integration. In short, the Su-27 excels in agility and endurance, while the F-15 dominates in technology and situational awareness.

What is the most advanced Flanker?

The most advanced “Flanker” variant today is the Su-35S, often dubbed “Flanker-E.” It features thrust-vectoring engines, Irbis-E radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and partial stealth improvements. The Su-35S represents the peak of Su-27 family evolution before the introduction of Russia’s fifth-generation Su-57.

What generation is the Su-27?

The Su-27 Flanker is a fourth-generation air superiority fighter. It was developed in the 1970s to counter advanced Western fighters like the F-14 and F-15, combining high speed, long range, and agility to maintain Soviet dominance in air-to-air engagements.

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