OVERVIEW: The Su-30MKK2 Flanker G is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4th generation multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi for the People’s Liberation Army Naval Air Force (PLANAF) of China. It is a naval-optimized variant of the Su-30MKK, adapted for maritime strike and anti-ship operations.

DETAILS: The Su-30MKK2 is based on the Su-27UB airframe and retains the AL-31F engines, reaching speeds up to Mach 2.0. It features 12 external hardpoints and is optimized for maritime strike missions with compatibility for Kh-31A/P anti-ship and anti-radiation missiles, Kh-29T/L guided munitions, KAB-500L bombs, and R-73/R-77 air-to-air missiles. The aircraft incorporates a modified version of the N001VEP radar with enhanced sea-target tracking modes and specialized software for over-water target engagement. Standard onboard systems include IRST, internal RWR, electronic countermeasures, and helmet-mounted sight. China received 24 Su-30MKK2s for its naval air arm, with deliveries completed by 2004 and operational service beginning in 2005. Flanker-G is the NATO reporting name assigned to this variant of the Su-30 family.

“Su” stands for Sukhoi, “MK” means “Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy” (Modernized Commercial), and “K” indicates Kitayskiy (Chinese), with “K2” designating the second batch optimized for PLANAF maritime requirements. The MKK2 differs from the PLAAF’s MKK in its radar software adaptations, increased anti-ship strike capabilities, and role-specific mission planning systems, enhancing its performance in maritime environments.

TYPE: Multirole maritime strike fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30MKK2 is used by the PLANAF primarily for long-range maritime strike, anti-ship operations, and coastal air superiority missions. Its optimized radar and missile loadout enable effective over-water target engagement in support of naval operations.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30MKK (2001 China), Su-30MKK2 (2005 PLANAF)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: China (PLANAF)
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
Chinese Ministry of National Defense ; 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 2005