OVERVIEW: The Su-30SM2 Flanker H is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4.5 generation multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Armed Forces. Entering service with the Russian Navy in 2022, it is a supermaneuverable aircraft upgraded with enhanced radar, engines, and weapons compatibility for maritime strike and coastal defense missions.

DETAILS: The Su-30SM2 retains the airframe and canards of the Su-30SM but introduces the AL-41F-1S thrust-vectoring engines (used in the Su-35S), providing increased thrust and lifespan, with top speeds above Mach 2.0. It is fitted with the N035 Irbis-E radar, allowing greater detection range, better tracking of aerial and surface targets, and improved electronic counter-countermeasures. The aircraft has 12 hardpoints and supports a wide range of weapons, including R-77-1 and R-74M air-to-air missiles, Kh-31A/P and Kh-29 missiles, KAB-500S, and UPAB-series precision-guided bombs. The naval Su-30SM2 is equipped with internal ECM, digital RWR, OLS-30 IRST, and a unified avionics suite compatible with other Russian platforms. The first Navy Su-30SM2s were delivered in 2022 for deployment with Baltic and Black Sea Fleet aviation units. Flanker-H is the NATO reporting name assigned to this Su-30 variant.

“Su” stands for Sukhoi, and “SM2” indicates “Seriynyi Modernizirovannyi 2” (Serial Modernized 2), the second upgrade phase of the Su-30SM. This variant introduces the AL-41F-1S engine and Irbis-E radar to unify logistics with the Su-35S and enhance strike performance. For naval forces, it strengthens long-range interdiction, maritime strike, and coastal air defense capabilities.

TYPE: Multirole supermaneuverable fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30SM2 is used by the Russian Navy for multirole maritime operations including fleet air defense, standoff coastal strike, and air superiority. Its supermaneuverability, extended range, and modernized systems increase its effectiveness in naval theaters.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30SM (2013 Russia), Su-30SM2 (2022 Russian Navy)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Russia
Conflict used in: 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 2023