Su-30SM2s are destined for Baltic duties
Su-30SM2s in production, pictured in 2020. (Photo: Russian MoD)
A Russian MoD official has confirmed to Shephard that two dozen Su-30SM2 fighters for naval aviation will be delivered by the end of 2022, primarily to the Baltic Fleet.
Plans to procure Su-30SM2s and other fixed-wing aircraft were announced in August 2020 by Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu during a visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant. He calculated the total cost of acquiring 21 Su-30SM2 fighters and 25 Yak-130 trainer aircraft at more than RUB100 billion ($1.33 billion).
It is unknown when the three extra Su-30SM2s were added to the original requirement.
Compared to the baseline Su-30 with its AL-31F turbofan engine,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
Avalon 2025: RAAF looks beyond 10 years to when future deliveries may restart
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has been substantially refreshed in the past two decades including F-35A and F/A-18F fighter aircraft, as well as the addition of transport aircraft such as C-17s, C-130 variants and C-27Js. Additional aircraft may only be a medium-term prospect.
-
Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight
The Strix test effort suffered a setback last year when the prototype incurred minor damage in a hard landing during its second trial flight.
-
Denmark looks to join NATO multi-role transport tanker pool
The country sees the Netherlands and Luxembourg-led pool as a way to strengthen its air defence capabilities and support its combat fighter fleet.
-
US approves possible $1.96 billion MQ-9B drone sale for Qatar
Qatar moves one step closer towards acquiring the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, as the Trump administration shows a renewed interest selling the platforms to countries in the Middle East.