Russia launches Su-30SM aircraft upgrade program
The Russian Defense Ministry has launched a program to upgrade Su-30SM fighters to the Su-30SM2 "Super-Sukhoi" version. Izvestia newspaper quoted a military source as saying.
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| Su-30SM fighter. |
It is known that the aircraft overhaul work will begin as early as December 2021. In addition, the Ministry of Defense will purchase newly produced Su-30SM2.
Testing of the first batch of upgraded aircraft will be completed by the end of next year.
“The Su-30SM, which was built from the export version supplied to India, has been well-developed. Some of the equipment is foreign-made and is subject to sanctions. Therefore, since 2015, extensive modernization work has been carried out, combined with the replacement of imported equipment. The upgraded aircraft will approach the capabilities of fifth-generation fighters,” said military expert Vladislav Shurygin.
The upgrade will include not only improved combat capabilities, but also an upgrade of the aircraft’s engines to the type currently used on the Su-35S and Su-35. In addition, the aircraft will be equipped with radars capable of detecting ground and air targets, as well as “smart” weapons. A state-of-the-art data exchange system will allow aircraft and drones to link up and maintain contact with ground control points at high speeds.
