OVERVIEW: The Su-30MKA Flanker H is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4.5 generation Supermaneuverable multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi for Algeria, based on the Su-30MKI airframe and systems architecture. It is designed for long-range air superiority, precision strike, and maritime strike roles under diverse operational conditions.

DETAILS: The Su-30MKA is a nationalized variant of the Su-30MKI, adapted for Algeria’s requirements while maintaining the same core airframe and advanced avionics. It is based on the Su-27UB platform and equipped with canards and thrust-vectoring AL-31FP engines, allowing for high maneuverability and supermaneuverable flight performance. The aircraft integrates the N011M Bars passive electronically scanned array radar, providing long-range detection and engagement capability against multiple aerial and surface targets. It features 12 hardpoints supporting R-73 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, Kh-29T/L, Kh-31A/P, and KAB-500 series guided munitions, and standard unguided ordnance. Additional onboard systems include IRST, internal RWR, ECM, and helmet-mounted sighting systems. Algeria received 58 Su-30MKA units between 2007 and 2015, with full operational capability achieved by 2010.

“Su” refers to the Sukhoi design bureau, “MK” means “Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy” (Modernized Commercial), and “A” identifies the Algerian-specific configuration. The MKA retains the Indo-Russian architecture of the Su-30MKI, including Russian airframe and engines, Indian displays, and French navigation and sensor components (such as the Sagem inertial system and Thales heads-up display). The MKA’s configuration offers Algeria advanced engagement capability, long endurance, and multirole flexibility across air defense, deep strike, and maritime operations.

TYPE: Multirole supermaneuverable air superiority fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30MKA is used by Algeria for long-range air defense, multirole strike, and maritime patrol missions, offering high endurance, powerful sensors, and diverse weapon integration. Its thrust-vectoring and radar capability make it the backbone of Algeria’s modern air combat fleet.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30MKA (2010 Algeria)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Algeria
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
Algerian Ministry of National Defence ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Piotr Butowski - “Russia’s Warplanes Vol. 1” ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; Sukhoi Company: https://www.sukhoi.org ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2015