Will Vietnam's Su-30MK2 be equipped with Kh-59MK2 cruise missiles?
Russia has just released a video recording the Su-57 test-launching the Kh-59MK2 missile in Syria, with the purpose of advertising the features of both weapons.
On May 26, the Russian Ministry of Defense released a video recording the Su-57 stealth fighter test-firing the Kh-59MK2 air-to-ground cruise missile during its deployment in Syria.
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| Russian Kh-59MK2 air-to-ground cruise missile. |
The Kh-59MK2 missile is compared to the US AGM-158 JASSM, both of which are weapons that attack beyond the range of air defense thanks to their long range and are also designed with a surface that can scatter radar waves very well.
The future form of combat is predicted to be aircraft carrying long-range attack missiles to replace cruise missiles launched from warships, due to the advantages in mobility as well as the ability to penetrate enemy air defenses much higher.
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| Su-30MK2 fighter of Vietnam Air Force. |
In addition to serving in the Russian Air Force, Moscow also does not hide its intention to promote the export of this weapon to the world market, focusing on partners who are using fighter aircraft produced by them.
This is a great suggestion for the Vietnam Air Force because we currently lack an air-to-ground cruise missile with such superior functionality. Although the export version of the Kh-59MK2 has reduced the range from 550 km to 290 km, it is still more than enough for us.
According to Russia's Sputnik website, Vietnam has currently equipped the Su-30MK2 fighter with the "brother" of the Kh-59MK2, which is the anti-ship version Kh-59MK.
Based on the experience of exploiting the Kh-59MK, in the future it is entirely possible that Vietnam will order more Kh-59MK2 to help its main fighter possess comprehensive anti-ship and ground attack capabilities.