OVERVIEW: The Su-30MK Flanker H is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4th generation multirole fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi for export markets. It is designed for both air superiority and strike missions with long range, high endurance, and versatile payload capacity.

DETAILS: The Su-30MK is the baseline export variant of the Su-30 series, combining the airframe of the Su-27UB with multirole avionics and increased weapon compatibility. It was developed in the 1990s to offer foreign operators a capable twin-seat platform for both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. The aircraft features a passive infrared search and track (IRST) sensor, internal RWR, and radar system from the N001 series, which allows limited multitarget capability and supports semi-active and active radar-guided missiles. It can be armed with R-27, R-73, and R-77 air-to-air missiles, as well as unguided bombs, rockets, and Kh-29 or Kh-31 series guided air-to-surface missiles. The Su-30MK has 12 hardpoints and is powered by two AL-31F engines, reaching a top speed of approximately Mach 2.0.

The “Su” stands for Sukhoi, while “MK” means "Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy" (Modernized Commercial), designating it as a base multirole export variant. The MK lacks thrust-vectoring engines or canards found in more advanced versions like the Su-30MKI or Su-30SM. It uses a standard N001V radar or variant depending on the buyer, enabling basic multirole performance but without the advanced sensor fusion of later models. Angola acquired the Su-30MK through a deal with Russia in the 2010s to strengthen its air combat capability and replace aging Soviet-era fighters.

TYPE: Multirole export fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30MK is primarily used for long-range air superiority missions and secondary precision or unguided strike roles, offering versatility and range suitable for large territorial air forces. It provides Angola with a modern multirole capability using proven airframe and systems.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30MK (2016 Angola)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Angola
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
Rosoboronexport ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Piotr Butowski - “Russia’s Warplanes Vol. 1” ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; Sukhoi Company: https://www.sukhoi.org