Amid the widespread attention on Ukrainian F-16s, Russian media has reported the arrival of a new batch of upgraded Su-30 fighter jets, designated Su-30SM2, for the Russian Air Force. 

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has announced that these advanced Su-30SM2 multifunctional fighters were produced and delivered to the Russian Ministry of Defense, specifically to the Aerospace Forces (VKS), according to the state-owned media outlet TASS.  

The new jets, developed by the Irkutsk Aviation Plant—a subsidiary of UAC and part of the Rostec state corporation—have successfully completed both ground and flight tests before being deployed. 

This delivery marks the first batch of Su-30SM2s for the year 2024, according to Tass report. While the exact number of aircraft in this batch is not specified, accompanying video footage from UAC’s press release indicates that at least two units have been delivered. 

The video footage also captures one of the Su-30SM2 fighter jets in action, showcasing its takeoff and subsequent flight. 

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The UAC said that the Irkutsk Aviation Plant has successfully met its production targets for these new aircraft as part of the state defense order.

The UAC has emphasized that the Su-30SM2 represents an advanced version of the Su-30 aircraft currently in service with the Russian Aerospace Forces. The new fighter jets feature an enhanced suite of onboard electronic systems, which significantly boost their combat capabilities. 

Among the key improvements, the UAC highlights that the Su-30SM2s now have an extended range for detecting and identifying air targets. 

Additionally, the upgraded fighters are equipped with advanced precision weaponry capable of engaging air, ground, and naval targets at distances of several hundred kilometers. 

This modernization enhances the Su-30SM2’s operational effectiveness, aligning with the requirements set forth by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The organization also did not provide information regarding the number of additional jets that will be delivered in the upcoming months. 

Su-30SM2 Set To Engage F-16 Jets

The Su-30SM2 represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the Su-30SM. It nearly doubles the detection range and enhances overall combat capabilities. 

This upgraded fighter jet has been designed to address and counter modern air defense systems effectively, including advanced systems like the American Patriot.

The latest model incorporates state-of-the-art radar and weapon systems, which have been reported to substantially improve the Su-30SM2’s ability to engage and neutralize sophisticated air defense networks. 

Russian claims state that these enhancements enable pilots to challenge and overcome advanced air defense systems with greater precision and effectiveness. 

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Notably, Russia has asserted that a military unit successfully engaged and targeted a Patriot system merely three days after the Su-30SM2 entered service, demonstrating the jet’s immediate impact on combat operations.

The Russian military first received a batch of Su-30SM2 heavyweight fighters towards the end of 2022. 

At that time, Vijainder K Thakur, an Indian Air Force veteran and specialist in Russian defense technology, pointed out that this modernized variant, initially named Su-30SMD before being re-designated as Su-30SM2, was developed with insights gained from the Russian Air Force’s experiences in Syria. 

This development reflects the effort to integrate operational lessons from previous missions into the new fighter’s design.

Thakur said that one of the Su-30SM2’s goals was to combine the strengths of the Su-30 series with those of the Su-35 series. This integration was intended to streamline logistics and reduce maintenance challenges, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The Su-30SM2 is positioned to play a crucial role in countering adversaries such as the Ukrainian F-16s. In May, a Russian Su-30SM2 was observed for the first time carrying R-37M long-range air-to-air missiles. 

These missiles are known for their impressive range of over 300 kilometers, making them highly effective against fast-moving targets. The R-37M missile has gained a formidable reputation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with the MiG-31 interceptor—armed with the same missile—emerging as a significant threat to Ukrainian air assets.

MiG-31 aircraft equipped with R-37M missiles have successfully engaged and brought down several Ukrainian aircraft. For instance, in December 2023, an R-37M missile downed a Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet, underscoring the missile’s operational effectiveness.

Additionally, the presence of Su-35 aircraft equipped with R-37M missiles is expected to significantly bolster Russia’s ability to intercept and neutralize Ukrainian Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles. 

The widespread deployment of Su-30 fighters armed with these long-range missiles across the Russian Air Force and naval aviation units would expand Russia’s capacity to intercept and engage aerial threats effectively.

An advanced feature of the R-37M missile is its built-in radio adjustment system, which reduces the need for continuous radar corrections by the Su-30SM2 after missile launch.

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