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Su-30 Fighter Jet

Su-30 Fighter Jet

Brand: Sukhoi
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4+
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 140–400 km

Full Specifications
Product Overview
Reviews

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Su-30 Fighter Jet
Manufacturer	Sukhoi Design Bureau
Country of Origin	Russia
Type / Role	Multirole Air Superiority Fighter
Generation	4+
Status	In Service
First Flight	1989
Introduction / In Service Since	1996
Number Built	700+
Operators	Russia, India, China, Malaysia, Algeria, Vietnam

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m (72 ft)
Wingspan	14.7 m (48 ft)
Height	6.4 m (21 ft)
Wing Area	62 m²
Empty Weight	18,400 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	38,800 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	12

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0
Range	3,000 km (unrefueled)
Combat Radius	1,500 km
Service Ceiling	17,300 m (56,800 ft)
Rate of Climb	230 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.96
G Limits	+9 / -3

Powerplant

Engine Type	Saturn AL-31F Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	27,500 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	Available on Su-30MKI/SM variants
Fuel Capacity	9,400 kg

Armament

Gun	30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-73, R-77, R-27
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-29, Kh-31, Kh-59
Bombs	FAB, KAB laser-guided series
Hardpoints	12
Payload Capacity	8,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	N011M Bars or N035 Irbis-E
Radar Range	140–400 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	SAP-518 ECM suite
Targeting System	OLS-30 IRST
Helmet Display	Integrated
Navigation	GLONASS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Yes (Digital Fly-by-Wire)
Communication	Secure UHF/VHF, Data Link

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	4–10 m²
Stealth Features	Limited (radar absorbent coating)
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial
Sensor Fusion	Moderate
Networking Capabilities	Tactical data sharing

Variants

Special Export Versions

Su-30MKI (India), Su-30MKM (Malaysia), Su-30MKA (Algeria), Su-30MKK (China), Su-30MK2 (Venezuela), Su-30SM (Russia), Su-30SM2 (Russia), Su-30MKV (Vietnam), Su-30MKA (Kazakhstan)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syrian Civil War, Border patrols in Asia
Notable Operators	Russia, India, China
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, interception, maritime patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$35–55 million (variant dependent)
Development Cost	Estimated $3 billion
Program Name	Su-27/30 Flanker Family
Funding Countries	Russia, export customers

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Su-30SM2 with AL-41F engines and new radar
Future Replacement	Su-57 stealth fighter
Export Restrictions	Limited to allied nations
Notable Achievements	One of the most exported Russian jets
Competitors	F-15EX, Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

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

PROS

Excellent maneuverability with thrust vectoring (in advanced variants)
Long combat range with in-flight refueling capability
Large payload capacity for mixed mission profiles
Proven reliability and export success across multiple countries
Dual-seat configuration for complex mission management

CONS

Higher radar cross-section compared to stealth fighters
Older avionics compared to 5th-generation platforms
Maintenance-intensive powerplant and systems
Limited interoperability with NATO weapon systems
Heavier airframe affects fuel efficiency in some variants

Sukhoi Su-30 Fighter Jet – Russia’s Twin-Seat Air Superiority Platform

Developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, the Su-30 is a highly capable twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft that combines long-range endurance with advanced air combat capabilities. Introduced in the 1990s as an evolution of the Su-27 “Flanker,” the Su-30 has become one of the most widely exported fourth-generation fighters globally, serving air forces in India, China, Malaysia, and several other nations.

The Su-30’s twin-seat configuration allows for dual-crew operations, enabling complex missions such as long-range strike, maritime attack, and electronic warfare. Its airframe, built for high maneuverability, incorporates thrust-vectoring engines in advanced variants like the Su-30MKI and Su-30SM, granting it supermaneuverability even at low speeds.

Powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, the Su-30 can reach speeds of Mach 2.0 and operate over ranges exceeding 3,000 km with aerial refueling capability. It carries a formidable mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including R-77 and Kh-31 missiles, laser-guided bombs, and a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon.

The aircraft’s avionics suite features a modern radar system, infrared search and track (IRST), and electronic countermeasures, allowing it to operate effectively in contested environments. Advanced export versions like the Su-30MKI (India) and Su-30SM (Russia) integrate Western or indigenous avionics systems, making the platform versatile and customizable.

Su-30 Fighter Jet Price in US

While not operated by the U.S. Air Force, the Su-30 Fighter Jet’s estimated export price ranges from $35 million to $55 million per unit, depending on configuration, avionics package, and production variant.

Special Export Versions

Variant	Example / Description
Su-30MKI	Developed for the Indian Air Force, features thrust-vectoring engines, canards, and avionics from France, Israel, and India. One of the most advanced export versions.
Su-30MKM	Malaysian Air Force version based on the MKI, integrating Western avionics (French, South African) and Russian engines.
Su-30MKA	Export version for Algeria, closely similar to the MKI, with minor customization for local requirements.
Su-30MKK	Built for China, optimized for strike missions, lacking canards but featuring advanced radar and heavy payload capacity.
Su-30MKA2 (Venezuela)	Adapted from the MKK platform, customized for Latin American operational conditions and maintenance systems.
Su-30SM	Russian domestic multirole variant with upgraded avionics, glass cockpit, and compatibility with Russian precision weapons.
Su-30SM2	Latest Russian upgrade featuring AL-41F-1S engines, modern AESA radar, and Su-35-level avionics.
Su-30MKV (Vietnam)	Based on the MKK design, optimized for maritime strike and regional air defense roles.
Su-30MKA (Kazakhstan)	Locally assembled version under Russian license, identical to Su-30SM standard.

Reviews

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