New Su-30SM2 Fighter, Yak-130 Combat Trainer, Transferred to Russian Aerospace Forces

The United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) handed over multirole Su-30SM2 fighters and Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft to the Russian Ministry of Defense for the country’s Aerospace Forces.

The Su-30SM2 fighters present advancements in the Russian Aerospace Forces' capabilities, incorporating improved avionics and enhanced combat features aligned with the technical specifications of the Russian Ministry of Defense. These upgrades result in increased detection and identification ranges for air targets, and the integration of new high-precision weapons enables effective engagement of air, ground, and sea targets at extended distances.

“The Irkutsk Aviation Plant promptly fulfills the plan for the production of new aircraft as part of the state defense order. The batch of Yak-130 combat training aircraft is completing deliveries of this type of aircraft under the current year program. The next Su-30SM2 will arrive at the Russian Aerospace Forces. The company has already started producing aircraft according to next year’s program,” said Yuri Slyusar, General Director of the United Aircraft Corporation.

The Yak-130 combat trainer aircraft, developed by JSC OKB im. A.S. Yakovlev, serves as the primary platform for basic and advanced training of Russian Aerospace Forces pilots, supporting training for pilots of generation 4+ and 5 combat aircraft. It incorporates modern technologies, including integrated objective control systems, educational computer classes, and advanced flight and specialized simulators.

The Su-30SM2, designed for tasks such as gaining air superiority and long-range interception, is comparable to the single-seat Su-35S. It features identical on-board radar capabilities based on the passive phased array N035 "Irbis-E," allowing target detection at impressive distances. The aircraft's AL-41F1-S engines deliver a total thrust of 29,000 kgf in afterburner mode, providing a thrust-to-weight ratio and turning angular speed similar to the Su-35S.

Despite its capabilities, the Su-30SM2's speed is limited to 2200 km/h due to the large midsection in the two-seat cockpit sector. In summary, these additions to the Russian Aerospace Forces signify a notable enhancement in their aerial capabilities and readiness.