OVERVIEW: The Su-30M2 Flanker G is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4th generation multirole fighter aircraft developed for the Russian Air Force, based on the Su-27UB airframe. It is intended for air superiority, interception, and limited support missions within tactical aviation units.

DETAILS: The Su-30M2 was developed by Sukhoi as a multirole combat aircraft derived from the Su-30 platform, primarily focused on air-to-air missions with secondary capabilities for unguided air-to-ground attacks. It retains the airframe and aerodynamic design of the Su-27UB, without the canard foreplanes or thrust-vectoring engines used on later Su-30 variants. The aircraft is equipped with the N001VEP pulse-Doppler radar, capable of tracking multiple aerial targets and supporting semi-active and active radar-guided missiles. It includes an internal radar warning receiver, electronic countermeasure capability, and an infrared search and track (IRST) system. The Su-30M2 features 12 hardpoints for carrying R-27, R-73, and R-77 air-to-air missiles, as well as unguided bombs and rockets. It is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines and can reach speeds up to Mach 2.0.

The designation “Su” refers to the Sukhoi design bureau, and “M2” indicates a multirole modernization phase. Compared to Su-30MK export models, the Su-30M2 does not include canards, thrust-vectoring, or advanced radar such as the Bars series. It retains the N001VEP radar used on upgraded Su-27SM aircraft, allowing missile guidance for R-77 but with more basic multitarget engagement capabilities. The variant was developed to complement the Su-27SM fleet using existing systems and logistics infrastructure, reducing cost and maintenance complexity.

TYPE: Multirole fighter / combat trainer

FUNCTION: The Su-30M2 is primarily used as a multirole fighter focused on air defense and interception missions, offering two-seat flexibility and extended range for tactical operations. It also supports secondary ground attack using unguided munitions.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30M2 (2013)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: Airspace patrol and readiness missions since 2013; no recorded use in active combat

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Piotr Butowski - “Russia’s Warplanes Vol. 1” ; Sukhoi Company: https://www.sukhoi.org ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; Forecast International: https://www.forecastinternational.com/archive/disp_pdf.cfm?DACH_RECNO=649