Su-30MK2 is currently the most powerful fighter of the Vietnam People’s Air Force.
The Su-30MK2 multi-role fighter aircraft is an improved version of the Su-30MKK, a member of the Su-30 aircraft family. The aircraft was developed by Sukhoi in 2002 and is manufactured by Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association. In addition to Vietnam, the aircraft are operational with Indonesia, Uganda, Venezuela and China. The Su-30MK2 combat aircraft offers superior manoeuvrability and can be deployed to engage manned and unmanned aerial vehicles, 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 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 34.5 tons and 38 tons respectively, and the payload carrying capacity is 8 tons. 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 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.
Su-30MK2 is currently the most powerful fighter of the Vietnam People’s Air Force. It performs almost every function from air superiority, airspace patrol, to ground and surface attack through guided and unguided weapons. According to reports, Vietnam owns 35 Su-30MK2 aircraft, the most in Southeast Asia, the last one was delivered in 2016.
