Su-30MK2

In late 2003 a contract was signed for four slightly modified derivatives of the KnAAPO-produced Su-30MK2 two-seat multi-role fighter, which was developed for China. Modifications include an upgraded communications suite and improved ejection seats. In November 2004 KnAAPO delivered the Su-30MK2V (borts 8531, 8532, 8533, 8534) fighters to the Vietnamese People’s Air Force (VPAF).

In January 2009, signed a new contract worth $ 400-500 million for the supply of eight Su-30MK2 (including UR P-73, X-31A1 / P), the supply carried out in 2010-2011.

In February 2010, Vietnam signed another contract for the delivery of 12 Su-30MK2, deliveries made in 2011-2012. The total purchase price, including planes, weapons and ground-based equipment, amounted to about $ 1 billion.
In mid-2013 Su-30MK2 is in service with two regiments of 12 aircrafts in the 935 IAP and 12 machines in the 923 IAP.

In August 2013 Vietnam signed another contract for 12 Su-30MK2. Deliveries will be made in three batches, 4 in 2014, 6 in 2015 and 2 in 2016.

The Su-30MK2 multi-role fighter aircraft is an improved version of the Su-30MKK, a member of the Su-30 aircraft family. The multi-role variant offers enhanced combat capabilities against aerial, ground and sea-based targets.

The aircraft was developed by Sukhoi in 2002 and is manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO). The aircraft are operational with Vietnam, Indonesia, Uganda, Venezuela and China.

The Su-30MK2 combat aircraft offers superior manoeuvrability and can be deployed to engage manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), medium- and short-range guided missiles, high-precision munitions, and other airborne weapons. It can also be used in aerial reconnaissance and training missions.

The Su-30MK2 fighter aircraft features reinforced airframe and a tricycle landing gear. It is capable of engaging targets in all weather conditions during day and night.

It has a length of 21.9m, a height of 6.4m and wing-span of 14.7m. The maximum and limit take-off weights are 34,500kg and 38,000kg respectively, and the payload carrying capacity is 8,000kg.

The Su-30MK2 is fitted with an in-flight refuelling system for extended flight range. The open architecture of the aircraft allows for installation of a variety of combat equipment and an improved avionics suite.

The digital glass cockpit accommodates two crew members in tandem configuration. It is equipped with new colour multi-functional, digital LCD screens for displaying flight and navigation information and graphical data. It also incorporates electromechanical indicators and advanced navigation and radio communications.

The aircraft is also fitted with an infrared search-and-tracking (IRST) system, a helmet-mounted target designation system, teplopelengator, laser range-finder and a target designator for detection and tracking of air and ground targets. The optoelectronic sighting systems provide improved surveillance capabilities.

The airborne radar aboard the Su-30MK2 is capable of searching and designating aerial targets, as well as short and medium-range guided missiles. It is also used to measure co-ordinates of ground-based radio-contrast targets.