OVERVIEW: The Su-30SM Flanker H is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4.5 generation multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Armed Forces. The 2019 naval version operated by the Russian Navy features supermaneuverability and enhanced strike capabilities, including integration of precision-guided glide bombs like the UPAB series.

DETAILS: The Su-30SM is derived from the Su-30MKI airframe but incorporates only Russian-made systems. It is powered by two AL-31FP thrust-vectoring engines and reaches speeds up to Mach 2.0. The aircraft features canards for increased agility, 12 hardpoints, and is equipped with the N011M Bars PESA radar, OLS-30 IRST, digital RWR, internal ECM suite, and helmet-mounted sight. It supports a wide array of weapons including R-73 and R-77 air-to-air missiles, Kh-31 and Kh-29 missiles, KAB-500 bombs, and by 2019, precision glide bombs such as the UPAB-1500B and UPAB-500B. In 2019, the Russian Navy’s Naval Aviation units began deploying newly built Su-30SMs with full strike capability for maritime interdiction and coastal defense roles. Flanker-H is the NATO reporting name assigned to this variant.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, and “SM” stands for “Seriynyi Modernizirovannyi” (Serial Modernized). The Su-30SM for the Russian Navy is based on the same configuration as the Air Force model but used primarily for maritime operations and naval strike. The addition of the UPAB series in this timeframe extended the platform’s standoff precision strike capability against ground and naval targets.

TYPE: Multirole supermaneuverable fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30SM is used by the Russian Navy for air defense, maritime strike, and precision-guided ground attack. Its supermaneuverability, multirole payload, and UPAB integration enable standoff engagement of both sea and land targets.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30SM (2013 Russia), Su-30SM (2019 Russian Navy)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: Syria (2015–present), Ukraine War (2022–present)

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; Irkut Corporation: https://www.irkut.com ; 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 2020