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Su-30SM Fighter Jet

Su-30SM Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Sukhoi
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5
Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 400 km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	Su-30SM
Manufacturer	Sukhoi / Irkut Corporation
Country of Origin	Russia
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5
Status	In Service
First Flight	September 2012
Introduction / In Service Since	2013
Number Built	150+
Operators	Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia

Dimensions & Structure

Length	21.9 m (71.8 ft)
Wingspan	14.7 m (48.2 ft)
Height	6.4 m (21 ft)
Wing Area	62.0 m²
Empty Weight	17,700 kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	34,500 kg
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	12

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0
Range	3,000 km
Combat Radius	1,500 km
Service Ceiling	17,300
Rate of Climb	230 m/s
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.95
G Limits	+9g

Powerplant

Engine Type	AL-31FP afterburning turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	27,500 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	Yes
Fuel Capacity	~9,400 kg internal

Armament

Gun	30mm GSh-30-1 cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	R-77, R-73, R-27
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	Kh-31, Kh-29, Kh-59
Bombs	KAB-500, FAB series
Hardpoints	12
Payload Capacity	8,000 kg

Avionics & Systems

Radar	N011M Bars-R
Radar Range	~400 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	KNIRTI SAP-518 ECM
Targeting System	OLS-30 IRST
Helmet Display	Yes
Navigation	GLONASS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced FBW
Communication	Encrypted VHF/UHF

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	~15 m²
Stealth Features	Minimal shaping, radar-absorbent coatings
Infrared Signature Reduction	Partial engine shielding
Sensor Fusion	Limited
Networking Capabilities	Tactical data link (Russian standard)

Variants

Special Export Versions

Su-30MKI, Su-30MKA, Su-30SM2, Su-30MKV

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Syria, Ukraine
Notable Operators	Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, escort, interception

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	$35–50 million
Development Cost	Classified
Program Name	Su-30SM Modernization Program
Funding Countries	Russia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Su-30SM2 with new radar and engines
Future Replacement	Su-57 (partial)
Export Restrictions	None beyond sanctions
Notable Achievements	Backbone of Russian tactical aviation
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

High maneuverability with thrust vectoring engines
Long combat range and multirole capability
Proven air-to-ground and air-to-air versatility
Advanced radar and targeting systems
Twin-seat configuration for flexible mission control

CONS

High operational and maintenance costs
Lacks true stealth features
Older avionics compared to Western 5th-gen fighters
Dependent on Russian logistics and parts supply
Large radar signature reduces survivability in modern warfare

Russian Su-30SM Multirole Fighter Jet

The Sukhoi Su-30SM is a highly maneuverable, twin-seat, multirole fighter derived from the Su-30MKI platform, tailored for the Russian Air Force. Developed by Sukhoi and produced by Irkut Corporation, it integrates advanced avionics, thrust-vectoring engines, and long-range weapon systems, making it a formidable opponent in both air-to-air and air-to-surface combat.

First flown in 2012, the Su-30SM incorporates AL-31FP afterburning turbofan engines with thrust vector control, granting it exceptional agility and sustained supersonic flight up to Mach 2.0. It features a range exceeding 1,500 km (combat radius) and can carry up to 8,000 kg of ordnance across 12 hardpoints.

Its avionics suite includes the N011M Bars-R radar, capable of tracking up to 15 targets simultaneously and engaging 4 at once. The cockpit is equipped with glass displays, helmet-mounted sights, and digital fly-by-wire controls, allowing for networked operations and multirole flexibility.

The Su-30SM’s versatility allows it to perform interception, escort, maritime strike, and ground-attack missions. It has seen operational use in Syria and various Russian military exercises, proving its reliability and adaptability under combat conditions.

Su-30SM Fighter Jet Price in US

While not operated by the United States, the Su-30SM’s estimated export price ranges from $35–$50 million per unit depending on configuration and support package. Designed by Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau, the Su-30SM is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter built for air superiority and precision ground-attack missions. It remains a key asset in the Russian Aerospace Forces and a symbol of Moscow’s airpower projection.

FAQs

What makes the Su-30SM so special?

The Su-30SM stands out for its exceptional maneuverability, long-range capability, and multirole versatility. Equipped with thrust-vectoring engines and advanced avionics, it can perform both air superiority and precision strike missions. Its twin-seat configuration also allows real-time tactical coordination between pilot and weapon systems officer, giving it a major edge in complex missions.

Is Su-30 better than F-16?

The Su-30SM and F-16 serve different operational philosophies. The Su-30SM is a heavy, twin-engine multirole fighter with longer range, higher payload capacity, and superior agility thanks to thrust vectoring. The F-16, by contrast, is a lightweight, single-engine fighter optimized for agility and cost efficiency. While the Su-30SM excels in endurance and heavy payload missions, the F-16 offers greater reliability and advanced Western avionics integration.

What is the US equivalent of the Su-30?

The closest American equivalent to the Su-30SM is the F-15EX Eagle II. Both are twin-engine, long-range multirole fighters capable of carrying a large weapons load, performing air superiority missions, and executing deep strike operations. However, the F-15EX benefits from superior avionics, radar, and networking capabilities, while the Su-30SM emphasizes maneuverability and endurance.

How many Su-30SM does Russia have?

As of 2025, Russia operates approximately 130–150 Su-30SM and Su-30SM2 aircraft across its Aerospace Forces and Naval Aviation. The fleet continues to grow under modernization efforts, with the Su-30SM2 variant featuring new AL-41F1S engines and upgraded avionics derived from the Su-35.

Su-30SM fighter jet price

The estimated unit price of the Su-30SM ranges between $35 million and $50 million, depending on configuration, support package, and export terms. The cost varies for international customers based on avionics, weapons integration, and after-sales support contracts.

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