OVERVIEW: The Su-33 Flanker D is a twin-engine, single-seat, 4th generation carrier-based air superiority fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Navy. By 2016, a number of Su-33s were upgraded with the Gefest & T SVP-24 system to enhance strike accuracy during operations from the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov.

DETAILS: The Su-33 retains the naval Su-27-based airframe with enlarged wings, folding mechanisms, strengthened landing gear, arrestor hook, and a refueling probe, powered by AL-31F engines with a top speed above Mach 2.1. It has 12 hardpoints and uses the N001K radar, OLS-27 IRST, internal ECM, digital RWR, and naval datalink systems. In 2016, a limited number of Su-33s received the SVP-24 targeting system from Gefest & T, improving unguided bomb accuracy through computerized ballistic calculation and real-time navigation. Armament includes R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 missiles, and unguided bombs and rockets enhanced by the SVP-24 system. The upgrade aimed to increase the Su-33’s secondary strike role in addition to its air superiority mission. Flanker D is the NATO reporting name for the Su-33.

“Su” refers to Sukhoi, and “33” designates the carrier-based version of the Su-27 family. The 2016 SVP-24 upgrade introduced precision targeting for conventional munitions, expanding the Su-33’s utility during carrier-based operations off Syria. The upgrade did not modify radar or engine systems but enhanced combat effectiveness for ground strike.

Type: Carrier-based multirole fighter (primarily air superiority)

FUNCTION: The Su-33 is used for fleet air defense and secondary strike from carrier decks. The SVP-24 upgrade in 2016 improved its ability to deliver conventional bombs with high accuracy in limited strike roles.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-33 (1995 Russia)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: Syrian Civil War (2016, from Admiral Kuznetsov)

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; TASS Russia: https://tass.com/defense ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2017 ; Gefest & T Official Material