Russian Su-30SM2 Fighter Jets Upgraded to Counter US Patriot Systems.

Russia has made significant improvements to its Su-30SM2 fighter jets, enhancing their radar systems and armament to more effectively counter advanced air defense systems like the American Patriot system. These improvements were discussed in a recent interview on Zvezda TV channel by Oleg Pankov, the chief designer of the Su-30 program, who described the upgraded capabilities of the jets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Sukhoi Su-30SM2 is an advanced version of the Su-30 fighter, upgraded to integrate technologies from the Su-35 (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

According to Pankov, the Su-30SM2 now features nearly double the detection range of its predecessor, the Su-30SM, for both air and ground targets. This enhancement is partly due to the integration of a new radar system and an advanced long-range weapons suite from Russia's arsenal, making the aircraft a formidable opponent in modern warfare.

The Sukhoi Su-30SM2 is an advanced version of the Su-30 fighter, upgraded to integrate technologies from the Su-35. Its production and introduction into the Russian military began recently, with the first deliveries occurring in 2022. The Russian military plans to upgrade about 110 existing Su-30SM jets to the SM2 standard by 2027.

The Su-30SM2 is notable for its enhanced detection range and armament, thanks to the integration of the Irbis-E radar and more powerful AL-41F1S engines. This radar significantly increases the aircraft's detection range for both aerial and maritime targets. The AL-41F1S engines, also used in the Su-35, offer a significant thrust increase and longer lifespan, thus improving the overall performance of the aircraft.

The Su-30SM2 can carry a wide range of high-precision weapons for both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, including Kh-59MK2 missiles and KAB-250 glide bombs, adapting the aircraft for more diversified battlefield roles. This modernization reflects Russia's ongoing efforts to strengthen its aerial combat capabilities in response to technological advancements and modern operational demands.

The channel also broadcast footage demonstrating the Su-30SM2's ability to deploy concrete-piercing bombs, highlighting the aircraft's advanced precision strike capabilities. These bombs are designed to penetrate the ground before detonating, showcasing an advanced level of tactical flexibility.

The first batch of these heavyweight fighters was delivered to the Russian military in late 2022. Vijainder K Thakur, a Russian defense industry expert and Indian Air Force veteran, noted that the design of the Su-30SM2 incorporates lessons learned from Russian military operations in Syria. He stated that the model aims to merge the Su-30 family with the Su-35 series, reducing logistical and maintenance demands.

Thakur also mentioned that the improved fighter could deploy a broad array of modern and future high-precision weapons, including KAB-250 glide bombs and X-59MK2 air-to-surface missiles.

In addition to advancements in weaponry and radar, the Su-30 program is set to receive new engines similar to those used in the Su-35 and Su-57, enhancing the aircraft's performance capabilities such as climb rate, turning radius, and engine lifespan. Serial production of these new engines is expected to start next year, with one Su-30 currently undergoing tests with the new equipment.

Russian media have highlighted that Su-30 pilots are developing tactics to counter F-16 fighter jets, which Western countries are expected to supply to Ukraine. Russian pilots are confident in their ability to handle potential confrontations with the F-16, citing a thorough understanding of its aerodynamics and perceived weaknesses in close air combat scenarios.