OVERVIEW: The Su-30MK Flanker H is a twin-engine, two-seat, 4th generation multirole fighter developed by Sukhoi as an export version of the Su-30 platform. It is designed for air superiority and limited strike roles, providing long range and multirole flexibility.

DETAILS: The Su-30MK was developed in the 1990s as a modernized commercial (MK) variant of the Su-30 series tailored for foreign air forces. It uses the Su-27UB airframe and includes multirole avionics, a two-seat configuration, and the N001V or derivative radar providing support for R-27, R-73, and R-77 air-to-air missiles. It is also capable of employing unguided bombs, rockets, and some guided air-to-surface missiles such as Kh-29 or Kh-31 depending on integration. The aircraft has 12 external hardpoints and is powered by two AL-31F turbofan engines, achieving a maximum speed of approximately Mach 2.0. Its onboard systems include an IRST sensor, internal RWR, and basic ECM capability.

“Su” designates Sukhoi, while “MK” stands for “Modernizirovannyi Kommercheskiy” (Modernized Commercial), indicating an export-standard multirole configuration. It does not include advanced thrust-vectoring nozzles or canards present in other upgraded variants. Ethiopia procured the Su-30MK in the early 2020s, with deliveries starting around 2024, to replace older Su-27s and expand national air defense and deterrence capability. The exact radar and targeting system configurations remain dependent on the version supplied by Russia, and detailed equipment specifics remain undisclosed.

TYPE: Multirole export fighter

FUNCTION: The Su-30MK is primarily used by Ethiopia for air superiority and national airspace defense missions, with additional capability for secondary strike operations. Its endurance and multirole payload capacity make it suitable for regional deterrence and combat patrol duties.

NOTE:
IOC: Su-27UB (1985), Su-30 (1992), Su-30MK (2024 Ethiopia)
Manufacturer: Sukhoi (Russia)
Operators: Ethiopia
Conflict used in: None

SOURCE:
Rosoboronexport ; Jane’s All the World’s Aircraft ; SIPRI Arms Transfers Database: https://armstrade.sipri.org ; United Aircraft Corporation: https://www.uacrussia.ru ; Sukhoi Company: https://www.sukhoi.org ; Flight Global World Air Forces 2024