Su-30SM: how Russia learned more precisely “to beat in the flank”
In the early 80s of the last century, the world military aviation experiencing major changes. They were associated not only with the development of new technologies and strategies for conducting air combat. Aircraft became technically more difficult, and even such superpowers as the USSR and the USA could no longer keep thousands of multi-sorted combat vehicles in service.
There is a trend towards universalization. The pioneers in this area were the Americans, adopting the F-15E "Strike Eagle", which, in addition to its destructive qualities, had the opportunity to work on land and water. Our response to the “Shock Eagle” was the Su-30, which NATO called “Flanker-C” (“Strike on the flank”).
The new aircraft was not born in the best times for the country. In 90, there was a lot of things, but definitely not military construction. Purchase of new cars was single. Then Sukhoi Design Bureau decided to create an export version of the aircraft and try to enter the international market with it. Su-30K quickly won the hearts of many armies. Later, a specially upgraded version of the Su-30MKI was developed specifically for the Indian Air Force. The car turned out to be so good that the Russian Ministry of Defense decided to put it into service, albeit with the "SM" index.
There is a trend towards universalization. The pioneers in this area were the Americans, adopting the F-15E "Strike Eagle", which, in addition to its destructive qualities, had the opportunity to work on land and water. Our response to the “Shock Eagle” was the Su-30, which NATO called “Flanker-C” (“Strike on the flank”).
The new aircraft was not born in the best times for the country. In 90, there was a lot of things, but definitely not military construction. Purchase of new cars was single. Then Sukhoi Design Bureau decided to create an export version of the aircraft and try to enter the international market with it. Su-30K quickly won the hearts of many armies. Later, a specially upgraded version of the Su-30MKI was developed specifically for the Indian Air Force. The car turned out to be so good that the Russian Ministry of Defense decided to put it into service, albeit with the "SM" index.
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