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). Designed for maritime strike operations, the aircraft remained in service from 2004 until 2023, when it was transferred to the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

DETAILS: The Su-30MKK2 is derived from the Su-27UB airframe and powered by two AL-31F engines, reaching speeds up to Mach 2.0. It features 12 hardpoints and is optimized for maritime operations with compatibility for Kh-31A/P anti-ship missiles, Kh-29T/L air-to-surface missiles, KAB-500L precision bombs, R-77 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, and the Kh-59MK standoff land-attack missile. It is equipped with a modified N001VEP radar featuring sea-target tracking modes and software tailored for over-water strike. Additional onboard systems include IRST, internal RWR, ECM system, and helmet-mounted sight. A total of 24 aircraft were delivered to PLANAF by 2004–2005, with operational service from 2005 to 2023. Flanker-G is the NATO reporting name assigned to this Su-30 variant.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, “MK” means “Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy” (Modernized Commercial), “K” stands for Kitayskiy (Chinese), and “K2” indicates the second optimized variant for naval use. The MKK2 introduced enhanced radar software for surface target tracking and Kh-59MK integration for extended land-strike capability. In 2023, PLANAF transferred the remaining Su-30MKK2 aircraft to the PLAAF, likely due to PLANAF standardization around the JH-7A and J-15 platforms.

TYPE: Multirole maritime strike fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30MKK2 was used by PLANAF for long-range maritime strike, anti-ship, and land-attack missions. Its multirole payload, over-water targeting radar, and standoff weapons made it an effective platform for naval air operations until its transfer to PLAAF service.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30MKK (2001 China), Su-30MKK2 (2005 PLANAF)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: China (PLANAF 2005–2023, PLAAF post-2023)
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, 2023