Su-family combat aircraft have been exported since 1964. More than 2,500 Su-7, Su-17, Su-20, Su-22, Su-24, Su-25, Su-27, Su-30 aircraft and their modifications were delivered to the Air Force of more than 30 countries for all these years.

The aircraft were delivered to different countries of Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. They are still in service in many armies of these countries. The Su-family aircraft have proved to be reliable and effective combat systems capable of performing a wide range of combat missions.

Over the past decades, as from 1996, the main export potential of the Su-family aircraft is centered on various modifications of the Su-30 — type multipurpose fighters. Sales of these machines together with contracts for airborne weapons and related equipment account for up to half of all foreign military supplies of the “Rosoboronexport”.

In the years 2000s with the advent of the Su-30MKK and its further modification — Su-30MK2 — a significant increase in exports can be noted. This is a multi-purpose two-seat fighter able to strike air, land and sea targets. A large amount of foreign supplies is associated with the implementation of the Indian program of development and production of the Su-30MKI multi-purpose strike fighter with the latest onboard avionics complex. Modifications of the Su-30 fighter are supplied to other countries as well.

Currently the multi-purpose Su-35 fighter undergoes tests. The aircraft has a large number of 5^th generation technologies and advanced technical solutions. Its radar with an unprecedented operating range (up to 400 km), the engine with a thrust of 14.5 tons with thrust vector control, an early warning system for irradiation, an optical radar station, missile launch detection sensors and laser irradiation sensors give the aircraft superiority over all the other fighters of the 4^th generation and the 4+ generation aircraft and make it ready for any combat conditions. Production Su-35s for the Russian Air Force are manufactured at the Sukhoi’s KnAAPO factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. At present the Su-35 possible deliveries are discussed with foreign customers. This aircraft must ensure preservation of the Sukhoi Company’s competitiveness on the world market till the start of serial production of the PAK FA 5^th generation fighter aircraft.

Work on the export version of the 5^th generation fighter — a prospective multi-functional fighter (PMI) is in progress together with the Republic of India. This aircraft also has a considerable export potential.

In order to ensure an efficient operation of the delivered aircraft the Sukhoi company provides for their after-sales service including spare parts supplies, aircraft systems and components repairs, technical assistance and supplies of necessary equipment to the foreign customers’ service centers.

Source: Sukhoi
Photo: Rob Vogelaar Z.A.P.P.