The Su-27 was developed into a family of aircraft; these include theSu-30, a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions, and theSu-33, a naval fleet defense interceptor for use fromaircraft carriers. Further versions include the side-by-side two-seatSu-34 strike/fighter-bomber variant, and theSu-35 improved air superiority and multirole fighter. A thrust-vectoring version was created, called theSu-37. TheShenyang J-11 is a Chinese license-built version of the Su-27.
In 1969, the Soviet Union learned of theU.S. Air Force's "F-X" program, which resulted in theF-15 Eagle. The Soviet leadership soon realized that the new American fighter would represent a serious technological advantage over existing Soviet fighters. "What was needed was a better-balanced fighter with both good agility and sophisticated systems." In response, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for aPerspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (PFI, literally "Prospective Frontline Fighter", roughly "Advanced Frontline Fighter").[3] Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long-range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The aerodynamic design for the new aircraft was largely carried out byTsAGI in collaboration with theSukhoi design bureau.[3]
When the specification proved too challenging and costly for a single aircraft in the number needed, the PFI specification was split into two: theLPFI (Lyogkyi PFI, Lightweight PFI) and theTPFI (Tyazholyi PFI, Heavy PFI). The LPFI program resulted in theMikoyan MiG-29, a relatively short-range tactical fighter, while the TPFI program was assigned to Sukhoi OKB, which eventually produced the Su-27 and its various derivatives.
The Sukhoi design, which was altered progressively to reflect Soviet awareness of theF-15's specifications, emerged as theT-10 (Sukhoi's 10th design), which first flew on 20 May 1977. The aircraft had a large wing, clipped, with two separatepodded engines and atwin tail. The 'tunnel' between the two engines, as on theF-14 Tomcat, acts both as an additional lifting surface and hides armament from radar.
The first batch of flying prototypes wereT-10-1 andT-10-2. They were powered byLyulka AL-21turbojets and hadogival wings. The aerodynamic layout was found to be unsatisfactory during construction; this was verified starting with T-10-1'smaiden flight on 20 May 1977.[5] The aircraft completed trials in November 1983 and donated to theSoviet Air Force Museum in late-1985. T-10-2 first flew on 16 May 1978. On 7 July 1978, it crashed and killed the pilot; the aircraft exceeded itsG limit andbroke-up in flight after behaving unpredictably when the control stick was pulled back. The prototypes were initially called "Ram-K" by Western intelligence; they were first spotted by Western satellite imagery at theFlight Research Institute's (LII) "Ramenskoye" airfield atZhukovsky; they were later assigned theNATO reporting name "Flanker-A".[6]Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant (KnAAPO) built second batch -T-10-3 andT-10-4 - starting in 1978. These were the first to be fitted with the intended powerplant, theLyulka AL-31turbofan, and their engine nacelles were redesigned accordingly.[7] T-10-3 was initially used for powerplant testing; it first flew on 23 August 1979 after being delayed by engine trouble. In 1982 and 1983, it performed land-basedSTOBAR tests fornaval aviation.[8] T-10-4 was used for avionics and armament testing with theMech radar.[9] Tests with the T-10-4 and the laterT-10-10 revealed serious deficiencies with the Mech radar.[10] KnAAPO built a third batch of "type T-10-5" AL-21-powered aircraft -T-10-5,T-10-6,T-10-9,T-10-10,T-10-11 - for avionics tests.[11]T-10-6 was destroyed in October 1980 in a ground fire caused by a leaking fuel line.[12] T-10-10 and T-10-11 performed radar, weapons control and targeting tests.[13] These prototypes found that avionics weight, AL-31 fuel consumption, and aerodynamics failed to meet requirements.[14]
The aircraft underwent a major redesign. Sukhoi accepted greater cooperation from SibNIA, which conducted extensivewind tunnel testing. Contemporary Western aircraft were examined for ideas. The new design -T-10S - bore only a superficial resemblance to the T-10; the design was completed in 1980 and was the precursor to the production Su-27.[15] The first batch of flying T-10S prototypes wereT-10-7 (orT-10S-1) andT-10-12 (orT-10S-2). T-10-7 was used for handling, manoeuvring, and AL-31 tests; it had no radar or mission avionics. It first flew on 20 April 1981, and crashed on 3 September 1981 after a critical in-flight failure; the pilotejected and survived, but the project's chief was replaced and the flight engineer wasdismissed.[16] T-10-12 was completed by KnAAPO in March 1981 for fire control testing. On 23 December 1981, it broke-up in flight and killed the pilot. Sukhoi's general designer was dismissed after the crash.[17] KnAAPO produced additional batches in 1982 -T-10-15,T-10-17 toT-10-22[18] - and 1983 -T-10-23 toT-10-27.[19] T-10-17 was the first aircraft built to full production standard and first flew on 26 May 1982.[18] In 1983, it landed after losing part of a wing and a tail fin from structural failure.[20] T-10-21 crashed on 25 May 1984 after a structural failure of a leading edge flap; the pilot ejected and survived.[20]
TheT-10S-3 was modified and officially designated theP-42, setting a number ofworld records for time-to-height,[21] beating those set in 1975 by asimilarly modified F-15 called "The Streak Eagle".[22] TheP-42 "Streak Flanker" was stripped of all armament, radar and operational equipment. The fin tips, tail-boom and the wingtip launch rails were also removed. The composite radome was replaced by a lighter metal version. The aircraft was stripped of paint, polished and all drag-producing gaps and joints were sealed. The engines were modified to deliver an increase in thrust of 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), resulting in athrust-to-weight ratio of almost 2:1 (for comparison with standard example seeSpecifications).[23][24]
The productionSu-27 (sometimesSu-27S, NATO designation 'Flanker-B') began to enterVVS operational service in 1985, although manufacturing difficulties kept it from appearing in strength until 1990.[25] The Su-27 served with both theV-PVO and Frontal Aviation. Operational conversion of units to the type occurred using theSu-27UB (Russian forUchebno Boevoy - "combat trainer", NATO designation 'Flanker-C') twin-seat trainer, with the pilots seated in tandem.[26]
When the naval Flanker trainer was being conceived the Soviet Air Force was evaluating a replacement for theSu-24 "Fencer" strike aircraft, and it became evident to Soviet planners at the time that a replacement for the Su-24 would need to be capable of surviving engagements with the new American F-15 and F-16. The Sukhoi bureau concentrated on adaptations of the standardSu-27UB tandem-seat trainer. However, the Soviet Air Force favoured the crew station (side-by-side seating) approach used in the Su-24 as it worked better for the high workload and potentially long endurance strike roles. Therefore, the conceptual navalside-by-side seated trainer was used as the basis for development of theSu-27IB (Russian forIstrebityel Bombardirovshchik - "fighter bomber") as an Su-24 replacement in 1983. The first production airframe was flown in early 1994 and renamed theSu-34 (NATO reporting name 'Fullback').[27]
Development of a version for the Soviet Navy designatedSu-27K (fromKorabyelny - "shipborne", NATO designation 'Flanker-D') commenced not long after the development of the main land-based type. Some of the T-10 demonstrators were modified to test features of navalized variants for carrier operations. These modified demonstrators led to specific prototypes for the Soviet Navy, designated "T-10K". The T-10Ks hadcanards, anarresting hook and carrier landing avionics as well as a retractable inflight refueling probe. They did not have the landing gear required for carrier landings or folding wings. The first T-10K flew in August 1987 flown by the famous Soviet test pilotViktor Pugachev (who first demonstrated theCobra maneuver using an Su-27 in 1989), performing test takeoffs from a land-basedski-jump carrier deck on theBlack Sea coast atSaky in theUkrainian SSR. The aircraft was lost in an accident in 1988.
At the time the naval Flanker was being developed the Soviets were building their first generation ofaircraft carriers and had no experience withsteam catapults and did not want to delay the introduction of the carriers. Thus it was decided to use a takeoff method that did not require catapults by building up full thrust against a blast deflector until the aircraft sheared restraints holding it down to the deck. The fighter would then accelerate up the deck onto a ski jump and become airborne.[28]
The productionSu-27K featured the required strengthened landing gear with a two-wheel nose gear assembly, foldingstabilators and wings, outerailerons that extended further with inner double slottedflaps and enlargedleading-edge slats for low-speed carrier approaches, modifiedleading edge root extension (LERX) with canards, a modified ejection seat angle, upgraded fly-by-wire, upgraded hydraulics, an arresting hook and retractable inflight refuelling probe with a pair of deployable floodlights in the nose to illuminate thetanker at night. The Su-27K began carrier trials in November 1989, again with Pugachev at the controls, on board the first Soviet aircraft carrier, calledTbilisi at the time and formal carrier operations commenced in September 1991.[29][30]
Development of the naval trainer, called theSu-27KUB (fromKorabyelny Uchebno-Boyevoy - "shipborne trainer-combat"), began in 1989. The aim was to produce an airframe with dual roles for the Navy and Air Force suitable for a range of other missions such as reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, maritime strike, and jamming. This concept then evolved into theSu-27IB (Su-34 "Fullback") for the Soviet Air Force. The naval trainer had a revised forward fuselage to accommodate a side-by-side cockpit seating arrangement with crew access via a ladder in the nose-wheel undercarriage and enlarged canards, stabilisers, fins and rudders. The wings had extra ordnance hardpoints and the fold position was also moved further outboard. The inlets were fixed and did not featureforeign object damage suppression hardware. The central fuselage was strengthened to accommodate 45 tonnes (99,000 pounds) maximum gross weight and internal volume was increased by 30%. This first prototype, the T-10V-1, flew in April 1990 conducting aerial refuelling trials and simulated carrier landing approaches on the Tbilisi. The second prototype, the T-10V-2 was built in 1993 and had enlarged internal fuel tanks, enlarged spine, lengthened tail and tandem dual wheel main undercarriage.[27]
In 1991, the production facilities at KnAAPO andIrkutsk developed export variants of the Su-27: theSu-27SK single seat fighter andSu-27UBK twin-seat trainer, (theK in both variants is Russian for "Kommercheskiy" - literally "Commercial")[31][32] which have been exported toChina,Vietnam,Ethiopia andIndonesia.[33]After thecollapse of the USSR in 1991,Russia, the successor state, started development of advanced variants of the Su-27 including theSu-30,Su-33, Su-34,Su-35, andSu-37.
Since 1998, the exportSu-27SK has been produced as theShenyang J-11 in China under licence. The first licensed-production plane,assembled in Shenyang from Russian supplied kits, was flight tested on 16 December 1998. These licence-built versions, which numbered 100, were designated J-11A. The next model, the J-11B made extensive use of Chinese developed systems within theSu-27SK airframe.[34]
Starting in 2004, the Russian Air Force began a major update of the original Soviet Su-27 ('Flanker-B') fleet. The upgraded variants were designatedSu-27SM (Russian for "SeriyniyModernizovanniy" - literally "SerialModernized"). This included upgrades in air-to-air capability with theR-77 missile with an active radar homing head. The modernized Su-27SM fighters belong to the4+ generation. The strike capability was enhanced with the addition of theKh-29T/TE/L andKh-31P/Kh-31AASM andKAB-500KR/KAB-1500KR smart bombs. The avionics were also upgraded.[35] The Russian Air Force is currently receiving aircraft modernized to the SM3 standard. The aircraft's efficiency to hit air and ground targets has increased 2 and 3 times than in the basic Su-27 variant. Su-27SM3 has two additional stations under the wing and a much stronger airframe. The aircraft is equipped with new onboard radio-electronic systems and a wider range of applicable air weapons. The aircraft's cockpit has multifunctional displays.[36]
The Su-30 is a two-seat multi-role version developed from theSu-27UBK and was designed for export and evolved into two main variants. The export variant for China, theSU-30MKK ('Flanker-G') which first flew in 1999. The other variant developed as the export version for India, theSu-30MKI ('Flanker-H') was delivered in 2002 and has at least five other configurations.
The Su-33 is the Russian Navy version of the SovietSu-27K which was redesignated by the Sukhoi Design Bureau after 1991. Both have the NATO designation 'Flanker-D'.
The Su-34 is the Russian derivative of the Soviet-eraSu-27IB, which evolved from the Soviet NavySu-27KUB operational conversion trainer. It was previously referred to as theSu-32MF.
The newest and most advanced version of the Su-27 is theSu-35S ("Serial"). The Su-35 was previously referred to as theSu-27M,Su-27SM2, andSu-35BM.[37]
The Su-37 is an advanced technology demonstrator derived from Su-35 prototypes, featuring thrust vectoring nozzles made oftitanium rather than steel and an updated airframe containing a high proportion ofcarbon-fibre andAl-Li alloy.[38] Only two examples were built and in 2002 one crashed, effectively ending the program. The Su-37 improvements did however make it into new Flanker variants such as theSu-35S and theSu-30MKI.[39]
The Su-27's basic design is aerodynamically similar to theMiG-29, but it is substantially larger. The wings are attached to the center of thefuselage at theleading edge extensions, featuring asemi-delta design, with the tips cropped for missile rails orECM pods. The fighter is also an example of atailed delta wing configuration,[failed verification] retaining conventional horizontaltailplanes.[40]
The Su-27 had the Soviet Union's first operational fly-by-wire control system, based on the SukhoiOKB's experience with theT-4 bomber project. Combined with relatively lowwing loading and powerful basic flight controls, it makes for an exceptionally agile aircraft, controllable even at very low speeds and highangle of attack. Inairshows the aircraft has demonstrated its maneuverability with aCobra maneuver – or dynamic deceleration – briefly sustained level flight at a 120° angle of attack.
The naval version of the 'Flanker', theSu-27K (or Su-33), incorporates canards for additionallift, reducingtakeoff distances. These canards have also been incorporated in some Su-30s, the Su-35, and the Su-37.
The Su-27 is armed with a single 30 mm (1.18 in)Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 cannon in the starboard wingroot, and has up to 10hardpoints for missiles and other weapons. Its standard missile armament for air-to-air combat is a mixture ofR-73 (AA-11 Archer) andR-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') missiles, the latter including extended range andinfrared homing models.
On 13 September 1987, a fully armed Soviet Su-27, Red 36, intercepted a NorwegianLockheed P-3 Orionmaritime patrol aircraft flying over theBarents Sea. The Soviet fighter performed different close passes, colliding with the P-3 on the third pass. The Su-27 disengaged and both aircraft landed safely at their bases.[44]
These aircraft were used by theRussian Air Force during the1992–1993 war in Abkhazia against Georgian forces. One fighter, piloted by Major Vatslav Aleksandrovich Shipko (Вацлав Александрович Шипко) was reported shot down infriendly fire by anS-75M Dvina on 19 March 1993 while intercepting Georgian Su-25s performing close air support. The pilot was killed.[45][46]
On 7 February 2013, two Su-27s briefly entered Japanese airspace offRishiri Island nearHokkaido, flying south over theSea of Japan before turning back to the north.[49] FourMitsubishi F-2 fighters were scrambled to visually confirm the Russian planes,[50] warning them by radio to leave their airspace.[51] A photo taken by aJASDF pilot of one of the two Su-27s was released by the JapanMinistry of Defense.[52] Russia denied the incursion, saying the jets were making routine flights near thedisputedKuril Islands.[49]
A Russian Su-27 and a BritishTyphoon meet over the Baltic, June 2014
Russia plans to replace the Su-27 and the Mikoyan MiG-29 eventually with theSukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation multi-role twin-engine fighter.[53]
A Russian Su-27 crashed over the Black Sea on 25 March 2020, in mysterious circumstances. The pilot was not found,[56] after a large-scale rescue effort hampered by inclement weather involving four helicopters, 11 civilian and military vessels, and several drones. The plane's last location was some 50 kilometers from the city ofFeodosia.[57]
China was the Su-27's first export customer;[58] it received 76 Soviet/Russian-built aircraft - 36 Su-27SKs and 40 Su-27UBKs.[59]
Negotiations with the Soviet Union started in June 1990 for the MiG-29 and Su-24; by October, China was interested in the more-capable Su-27.[60] China called the purchase "906 Project". In February 1991, a Su-27 performed a flight demonstration atBeijing'sNanyuan Airport.[58]
China ordered 24 Su-27s, weapons and a flight simulator in May 1991.[61] 70% of the payment was inbarter[59] with "poor quality"[62] light industrial goods and food;[59] the poor state of the Soviet economy strengthened China's negotiating position.[62] A 1995 estimate of the cost was $1.3-1.5 billion.[60] The first 12 aircraft - eight Su-27SKs and four Su-27UBKs - were delivered in late-1991.[58] 12 were delivered in 1992.[58][62] The first batch was stationed at theWuhu Air Base in the early 1990s.[63] These were equipped withN001E radar and could engage one target at a time; later batches used the N001P and could engage two targets at a time.[59]
Two more[58][60] - possibly Su-27UB trainers[60] - were ordered or received by end of 1992.[58][60]
In 1995, the terms of payment were and scope of the agreement changed. China agreed to pay only withUS dollars, and Russia agreed to allow China tolicense-produce the Su-27 as the J-11;[59] the Russian negotiators were not authorized by the Russian government to agree to the latter. China received 18 Su-27SKs and 6 Su–27UBKs in 1995–1996.[62][59]
In December 1999, China ordered 28 Su–27UBKs as trainers. The first 12 were delivered in December 2000. The remainder were delivered by September 2009.[59]
Through 2012, China's Su-27s could not fire the R-77 air-to-air missile due to limitations to their fire control systems.[59]
Ethiopian Su-27s shot down two Eritrean MiG-29s and damaged another one during theEritrean-Ethiopian War[64][65] in February 1999 and destroyed another two in May 2000.[65][66] The Su-27s were also used incombat air patrol (CAP) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions.[67] The Su-27 has replaced the agingMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, which was the mainair superiority fighter of the ETAF between 1977 and 1999.[68]Ethiopian government used its Su-27s for bombing targets during theTigray War. Ethiopian Su-27s were depicted armed with OFAB-250 unguided bombs and over the skies ofMekelle.[69]On 25 August 2022, Ethiopian authorities claimed an An-26 was intercepted and then shot down by an ETAF Su-27, scrambled to investigate the airspace violation incoming from Sudan.[70]
The Su-27 entered Angolan service in mid-2000 during theAngolan Civil War. It is reported that one Su-27 in the process of landing, was shot down by9K34 Strela-3 MANPADs fired byUNITA forces on 19 November 2000.[64][71]
Four Indonesian Flanker-type fighters including Su-27s participated for the first time in the biennialExercise Pitch Black exercise in Australia on 27 July 2012. Arriving atDarwin,Australia, the two Su-27s and two Sukhoi Su-30s were escorted by two AustralianF/A-18 Hornets ofNo. 77 Squadron,Royal Australian Air Force.[72] Exercise Pitch Black 12 was conducted from 27 July through 17 August 2012, and involved 2,200 personnel and up to 94 aircraft from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.[73]
Ukrainian Air Force Su-27P arrives at the 2018RIAT, EnglandB-52H assigned to the 5th Bomb Wing integrates with Ukrainian Su-27s during a Bomber Task Force Europe mission, 23 Sept. 2020Ukrainian Su-27s perform aflypast during theKyiv Independence Day Parade on 24 August 2021.
TheUkrainian Air Force inherited about 66-70 Su-27 aircraft after the collapse of the Soviet Union.[75] Lack of funds in addition to the Su-27's high maintenance requirements led to a shortage of spare parts and inadequate servicing with approximately 34 in service as of 2019.[76][77] Years of underfunding meant that the air force has not received a new Su-27 since 1991. Between 2007 and 2017, as many as 65 combat jets were sold abroad,[78] including nine Su-27s.[42] In 2009, amiddeclining relations with Russia, the Ukrainian Air Force began to have difficulty obtaining spare parts from Sukhoi.[42] Only 19 Su-27s were serviceable at the time of theRussian annexation of Crimea and subsequentWar in Donbas in 2014.[42] Following theRussian invasion, Ukraine increased itsmilitary budget, allowing stored Su-27s to be returned to service.[78][79]
TheZaporizhzhya Aircraft Repair Plant "MiGremont" [uk] inZaporizhzhia began modernizing the Su-27 toNATO standards in 2012, which involved a minor overhaul of the radar, navigation and communication equipment. Aircraft with this modification are designated Su-27P1M and Su-27UB1M. TheMinistry of Defence accepted the project on 5 August 2014,[79] and the first two aircraft were officially handed over to the831st Tactical Aviation Brigade in October 2015.[80] Despite the modernization, the avionics and missiles of the Ukrainian Su-27s were still "two generations behind" those of the Russians.[81]
In 2014, during the Annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 was scrambled to intercept Russian fighter jets over Ukraine'sairspace over the Black Sea on 3 March.[82] With no aerial opposition and other aircraft available for ground attack duties, Ukrainian Su-27s played only a small role in the war in Donbas until 24 February 2022. Ukrainian Su-27s were recorded performing low fly passes and were reported flying top cover, combat air patrols and eventual escort or intercept of civil aviation traffic over Eastern Ukraine.[83][84] Videos taken of low-flying Su-27s involved in the operation revealed they were armed with R-27 and R-73air-to-air missiles.[85]
There were two fatal crashes involving Ukrainian Su-27s in 2018. On 16 October, a Ukrainian Su-27UB1M flown by Colonel Ivan Petrenko crashed during the Ukraine-USAF exercise "Clear Sky 2018" based atStarokostiantyniv Air Base. The second seat was occupied by Lieutenant Colonel Seth Nehring, a pilot of the144th Fighter Wing of theCalifornia Air National Guard. Both pilots died in the crash, that happened about 5:00 p.m. local time in theKhmelnytskyi province of western Ukraine.[86][87] On 15 December, an Su-27 crashed on final approach about 2 km (1 mi) fromOzerne Air Base inZhytomyr Oblast, after performing a training flight. Major Fomenko Alexander Vasilyevich was killed.[88]
On 29 May 2020, Ukrainian Su-27s took part in the Bomber Task Force in Europe with B-1B bombers for the first time in the Black Sea region.[89] On 4 September 2020, three B-52 bombers from the5th Bomb Wing,Minot Air Force Base,North Dakota, conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s inside Ukraine's airspace.[90]
The Su-27 was used by both sides in theRussian invasion of Ukraine.[91] On 24 February 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 and a refueling vehicle were burned out by fire after a Russian attack on Ozerne Air Base in Zhytomyr District during the first day of theRussian invasion of Ukraine.[92] The next day, another Su-27 was shot down in Kyiv by a RussianS-400 system[93] and was recorded by residents on their cell phones and published onTwitter;[94] its pilot, ColonelOleksandr Oksanchenko, was killed.[95] A third Su-27 was reported lost by Ukrainian officials overKropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine; its pilot was killed.[96]
On 7 May 2022, a pair of Ukrainian Su-27s conducted a high-speed, low-level bombing run on Russian-occupiedSnake Island; the attack was captured on film by aBayraktar TB2 drone.[97]
On 7 June 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27, bort number38 blue, was shot down while flying at low altitude nearOrikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The aircraft was reportedly destroyed either by an enemy air-to-air missile or due to friendly fire.[98][99]
On 21 August 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 was reported lost in combat. The pilot died.[100][101]
In September 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 was spotted with American-madeAGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles.[102]
On 14 March 2023, a Russian Su-27intercepted an American MQ-9 Reaper drone and performed several passes, dumping fuel onto it before colliding with it, causing the drone to crash into the Black Sea.[106]
In August 2023, it was revealed that Ukrainian Su-27s had started carryingJDAM-ER guided bombs.[107]
On 17 May 2024, a Ukrainian Su-27 was shot down in the vicinity of Metalivka,Chuhuiv Raion, during theKharkiv offensive.[108] The pilot, Lt ColDenys Vasyliuk, was killed.[109][110][111] The aircraft was an upgraded Su-27UP2M, which was still undergoing tests prior to the Russian invasion.[112]
As of 24 October 2025, Ukraine has lost 17 Su-27 and Russia lost 3 Su-27.[113]
On 28 April 2025, a Ukrainian Su-27 was lost in an accident "while repelling a drone attack"; the pilot ejected safely. A commission has been established to investigate the cause of the incident.[114]
Initial T-10 prototypeLeft side scheme of a Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker B, first production seriesRussian fighter Su-27K (later renamed to Su-33) on the deck ofAdmiral Kuznetsov
Improved prototype configuration, more similar to production specification.[115]
P-42
Special version built to beat climb time records. The aircraft had all armament, radar and paint removed, which reduced weight to 14,100 kg (31,100 lb). It also had improved engines. Similar to the USF-15 Streak Eagle project. Between 1986 and 1988, it established and took several climb records from the Streak Eagle. Several of these records (such as time to climb to 3,000 m, 6,000 m, 9,000 m, and 12,000 m) still stands current as of 2019.[116][117]
Su-27 ("Flanker-A")
[115] Pre-production series built in small numbers with AL-31 engine.
Su-27S (Su-27 / "Flanker-B")
[115][118] Initial production single-seater with improved AL-31F engine. The "T-10P".
Su-27P (Su-27 / "Flanker-B")
[115][118] Standard version but without air-to-ground weapons control system and wiring and assigned toSoviet Air Defence Forces units. Often designated Su-27 without -P.[119]
Su-27UB ("Flanker-C")
[115][118] Initial production two-seat operational conversion trainer.
[115][118] Two-seat version of the Su-27P interceptor, designed to support other single-seat Su-27P, MiG-31 and other interceptor aircraft in PVO service, with tactical data. The model was later renamed to Su-30, and modified into a multi-role fighter mainly for export market, moving away from the original purpose of the aircraft.
Single-seat demonstrator with improvements such as in-flightrefuelling probe.
Su-30M/MK/MKK/MK2 ("Flanker-G")
Next-generation multi-role two–seat fighter. A few Su-30Ms were built for Russian evaluation in the mid-1990s, though little came of the effort. The Su-30MK export variant was embodied as a series of two demonstrators of different levels of capability. Variants includeSu-30MKK forPLAAF (China), and also the Su-30MK2 for Uganda, Vietnam, and other nations.
Su-30MKI/MKM/MKA/SM/SME/SM2 ("Flanker-H")
Highly upgraded with new Saturn AL-31FP engines with 3D Thrust-Vectoring controls, and canards to add to the same, both of which are inspired by theSukhoi Su-34 "Fullback" and theSukhoi Su-37 "Terminator". Versions include theSu-30MKI for India,Su-30MKA forAlgeria, andSu-30MKM forMalaysia, followed by the new Su-30SM that has been specifically built forRussian Aerospace Force (RuAF)'s own use, which has variants like Su-30SME (for export), and the new Su-30SM2, with upgraded avionics and more powerfulSaturn AL-41F1S, that offers 3D TVC, and 20% increased thrust.[123][124]
Su-27SK ("Flanker-B")
[115][118] Export version of the Su-27S. The landing gear is reinforced for a maximum takeoff weight of 33 tonnes; this was a Chinese requirement to accommodate air-to-ground missions. The jamming pod is downgraded to the L203/L204.[59] It was exported to China in the 1990s[58][59] and to Indonesia in 2003.[125] China developed the type into the Shenyang J-11.[126]
Su-30KI
Proposed single-seat air superiority variant of the Su-27SMK with N001E radar, inflight refuelling probe and R-77 missiles.[127] Intended for theIndonesian Air Force based on a 1997 letter of intent for 12 aircraft, and cancelled due to the1997 Asian financial crisis.[128]
Single-seat multi-role fighter for export. It is a derivative of the Su-27SK but includes upgrades such as advanced cockpit, more sophisticated self-defense electronic countermeasures (ECM) and an inflight refuelling system.[129]
Su-27UBM
Comparable upgraded Su-27UB two-seater.
Su-27SM ("Flanker-E")
Mid-life upgrade for the Russian Su-27 fleet. It includes newmulti-function displays replacing analog flight instruments, improvements to the navigation system, a new fire-control system with slightly improved radar and electro-optical sighting system, and a more advanced mission computer. This allows for use of the radar insynthetic-aperture terrain mapping mode, as well as detection of maritime targets. Contrary to the basic Su-27 variants, the Su-27SM can use guided air-to-ground ordnance, includingKh-29 andKh-31 missiles, and laser-guided bombs, as well as the R-77 air-to-air missile. The SPO-15Beryoza is replaced by thePastelradar warning receiver, and theSorbtsiya wingtip jamming pods are replaced by the more modernKhibiny. 24 Su-27SMs also received slightly uprated engines.[91]
Su-27SM2 ("Flanker-J")
Proposed 4+ gen block upgrade for Russian Su-27, featuring some technology of the Su-35BM; it includes Irbis-E radar, and uprated engines and avionics. The Su-27SM2 was never entered into service due to cost concerns.[citation needed]
Su-27SM3 ("Flanker-J Mod")
[130] The Su-27SM3 is an upgrade package for existing Su-27SM fighters that modernizes its airframe and give its FCS compatibility with the more modern R-77-1 Adder BVR missile. Increased maximum takeoff weight (+3 tonnes), AL-31F-M1 engines.[131]
Ethiopian Air Force – up to 17 Su-27S, Su-27P, Su-27UB sourced second–hand from Russia in two different batches: 9 starting from 1998 and 8 starting from 2002.[138] Some crashed over the years.[139]
Indonesian Air Force – 5 Su-27SKM in service. Two Su-27SK and three Su-27SKM fighters were delivered in 2003 and 2010 respectively.[140] In 2017 Indonesia upgraded its two Su-27SK to SKM standard.[141][142][better source needed]
Russian Aerospace Forces – 101 Su-27s in service as of 2021.[143][page needed] 359 Su-27 aircraft, including 225 Su-27s, 70 Su-27SMs, 12 Su-27SM3s, and 52 Su-27UBs were in service as of January 2014.[144] Less than 422 Su-27s are in service as of 2025 according to World Air Forces.[145] A modernization program began in 2004.[146][147][148] Half of the Su-27 fleet had reportedly been modernized in 2012.[149] The Russian Aerospace Forces were receiving aircraft modernized to the SM3 standard as of 2018.[150][151][152][153]
United States Air Force – Two Su-27Ps were delivered to the U.S. in 1995 from Belarus.[155][156] Two Su-27UBs were bought from Ukraine in 2009 by a private company, Pride Aircraft for sale to civilians.[157][158] The aircraft was bought by USAF in 2011 and one of them was retired in 2023.[159] They have been spotted operating overArea 51 for evaluation and training purposes.[160]
Belarusian Air Force − Inherited 23-28 Su-27s from the former 61st Fighter Aviation Regiment of theSoviet Union.[155] They had 22 in service as of December 2010.[161] Nine Su-27s were sold to Angola in 1998. Belarus had operated 17 Su-27P and 4 Su-27UBM1 aircraft before their retirement in December 2012.[134][162][163]
According to the U.S.FAA there are two privately owned Su-27s in the U.S., as of 2015.[166] Two Su-27UB from the Ukrainian Air Force were demilitarised and sold to Pride Aircraft of Rockford, Illinois. Pride Aircraft modified some of the aircraft to their own desires by remarking all cockpit controls in English and replacing much of the Russian avionics suite with Garmin, Bendix/King, and Collins avionics. The aircraft were both sold to private owners for approximately $5 million each.[167] The United States Air Force bought the aircraft in 2011 and in 2023 one of them was preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.[159]
On 30 August 2010, theFinancial Times claimed that a Western private training support company ECA Program placed a US$1.5 billion order with Belarusian state arms dealer BelTechExport for 15 unarmed Su-27s (with an option on 18 more) to organize adissimilar air combat training school in the former NATO airbase in Keflavik, Iceland, with deliveries due by the end of 2012.[168][169] A September 2010 media report byRIA Novosti, the state-owned news agency, questioned the existence of the agreement.[170] No further developments on such a plan have been reported by 2014, while a plan for upgrading and putting the retired Belarusian Air Force Su-27 fleet back to service was reported in February 2014.[171]
9 September 1990: A Soviet Su-27 crashed at theSalgareda airshow in 1990 after pulling a loop at too low an altitude. The Lithuanian pilot,Rimantas Stankevičius, and a spectator were killed.[172][173]
12 December 1995: Two Su-27s and an Su-27UB of theRussian Knights flight demonstration team crashed into terrain outside ofCam Ranh, Vietnam, killing four team pilots. Six Su-27s and anIlyushin Il-76 support aircraft were returning fromLangkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. The aircraft were flying in echelons right and left of the Il-76 on their way to Cam Ranh for refueling. During the landing approach, the Il-76 passed too close to the terrain and the three right-echelon Su-27s crashed. The other aircraft landed safely at Cam Ranh. The cause was controlled flight into terrain; contributing factors were pilot error, mountainous terrain and poor weather.[174]
27 July 2002: AUkrainian Su-27crashed while performing an aerobatics presentation, killing 77 spectators in what is now considered the deadliest air show disaster in history. Both pilots ejected and suffered only minor injuries.[175]
15 September 2005: Russian fighter Su-27 crashed near the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. The pilot ejected and was unhurt. The investigation attributed the incident to pilot error.[176]
16 August 2009: While practicing for the 2009MAKS Airshow, two Su-27s of the Russian Knights collided in mid-air aboveZhukovsky Airfield, south-east of Moscow, killing the Knights' leader,Igor Tkachenko. One of the jets crashed into a house and started a fire.[177] A probe into the crash was launched; according to the Russian Defense Ministry the accident may have been caused by a "flying skill error".[177]
14 March 2023: A Russian Su-27 flew near aUSAFMQ-9UAV operating in international airspace over theBlack Sea, dumped fuel on it (presumably to try to set it alight), and finally collided with thepropeller which caused the USAF operator to ditch the UAV into the sea.[179]
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^"ke bahru be chilfa" (Ethiopian Air Force graduation publication, May 2007), pp. 72–73.
^Kyzer, Jonathan; Cooper, Tom & Ruud, Frithjof Johan (17 January 2003)."Air War between Ethiopia and Eritrea, 1998-2000".Dankalia.com. Air Combat Information Group.Archived from the original on 4 September 2015. Retrieved10 March 2015.
^Zettlemoyer, Ryan."ETHIOPIA".Sukhoi Su-30 In Colours. sukhoi.mariwoj.pl. Retrieved8 July 2024.
^"Летчики ЮВО получат более 40 единиц авиатехники" [Pilots of the Southern Military District will receive more than 40 aircraft].vpk-news.ru (in Russian). 10 October 2014.Archived from the original on 5 November 2014. Retrieved4 February 2015.
^Sidorov, Pavel."Катастрофа "Русских Витязей"" [Catastrophe of "Russian Knights"].Airbase.ru (in Russian).Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved24 April 2007.
^"Открытая площадка" [Open Area].Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (in Russian).Archived from the original on 10 July 2020. Retrieved6 July 2020.
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