Su 30MK2 during a training flight.
The Su-30MK2, an upgraded version of the Su-30, is a long-range heavy multi-role fighter developed by Russia’s KnAAPO and JSC based on the famous Su-27SK fighter model in 1999, according to Aviationsmilitaires.
In recent years, Russia has provided Vietnam with a series of new Su-30MK2 fighters to serve the purpose of patrolling and protecting the country’s island sovereignty.
As a variant of the Su-27 fighter, but with an expanded combat range as well as the ability to use long-range precision-controlled attack weapon systems, the Su-30MK2 is classified as a weapon.
In terms of design, the Su-30MK2 retains most of the aerodynamic design features of the Su-30, but the weight of the weapons carried is increased to 12 tons.
The Su-30MK2 is equipped with an extremely powerful engine, with vector fuel injection technology to increase maneuverability.
Designed with the purpose of enhancing attack capabilities at sea, the Su-30MK2 has many significant improvements in electronic warfare systems.
The Su-30MK2 is also equipped with new optical equipment such as the Sapsan-E shielded target acquisition system, developed by the Ural optical mechanical factory, weighing 250 kg, 3 meters long,
In addition, the M400 covered reconnaissance device, developed by the Canopy design studio, includes a horizontal scanning radar, with a maximum scanning range of over 100 km with a resolution of 2 m.
In addition, the Su-30MK2’s modern active phased array scanning radar system is capable of tracking dozens of targets both in the air and at sea, locking on 4 different targets with incredible accuracy.
Kh-59M missile.
The main weapons of the Su-30MK2 are R-77 air-to-air missiles (NATO designation RVV-AE), Kh-59M air-to-ground missiles and a pair of Kh-31 air-to-ship missiles.
The R-77 missile is guided by an extremely modern active radar developed by the Vympel company and has been equipped with the Russian Air Force since 1994. The missile can destroy targets from all angles in all weather conditions.
The Kh-59M air-to-ground missile can be launched from a low altitude (100 m), and fly at a specified altitude (from 50 to 1000 m), guided by an automatic control system and radio altimeter.
The Kh-59MK air-to-ship missile is equipped with an ARGS-59 active radar detector, with a range of 115 to 285 km, thanks to being equipped with a fuel accelerator.
Vietnamese Su-30MK2 aircraft launched a sortie
Video of Vietnam’s Su-30MK2 sortie
According to Russian experts, the Kh-59MK’s probability of hitting a cruiser or destroyer reaches 90-96%, and for small ships and boats it reaches 70-93%.
On the morning of June 14, a Su-30MK2 fighter belonging to the 923rd Air Force Regiment went missing in the eastern waters of Nghe An while conducting a sea training flight.
See more: Powerful pair of Vietnam’s new attack missile ships.
Olivia