Russia Developing New Version Of Su-30SM Fighter Jet Based On Syrian Combat Experience

[Zarvan]

Russia is developing a modernized version of its super-manoeuvrable Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jet with upgraded avionics and is capable of using latest high-precision ammunitions.

Designated as Su-30SM1, Russian-language newspaper Izvestia reports that this latest modernization is based on Russia’s combat experience in Syrian conflict.

According to the report, Su-30SM1 has upgraded on-board radio electronic equipment, as well as an expanded range of precision munitions. Irkut—United Aircraft Corporation subsidiary that builds the Su-30SM1 says the modernization is underway at its plant but declined to comment on the number of planes undergoing the upgrade.

The Su-30SM1 will likely feature an upgraded stores management system and carries an expanded range of Russian precision-guided weapons including the KAB-250 and the Х-59МК2 air-to-surface missile, the newspaper reports.

The KAB-250 is modular and can use GPS/GLONASS-corrected inertial guidance or it can be guided by laser. Meanwhile, the Х-59МК2 is a new version of the original X-59 anti-ship missile that is optimized to attack land targets. The new X-59MK2 gains the ability to strike at pre-programmed stationary land-based targets, but it is not clear if it retains the ability to warships at sea.

It is not clear what other upgrades are onboard the Su-30SM1.

During a recent visit to the Irkutsk Aviation Plant (IAZ), Deputy Defense Minister Yury Borisov had said that the delivery of 17 new Su-30SM fighters is expected this year.

http://www.defenseworld.net/news/19...ased_On_Syrian_Combat_Experience#.WXGusoiGNPY

 

[khanasifm]

 

[vizier]

Maybe further improvements can be making the platform network better with recon drones which dont have much firepower. Maybe even taking control from the ground operator of flying drones by the pilot as the mission requires.