Sukhoi Su-30MKM
The Sukhoi Su-30MKM (NATO reporting name: Flanker-H) is a supermaneuverable fighter of the Royal Malaysian Air Force. It is a variant of the Su-30 series fighters, with many significant improvements over the original Su-30MK export version. The Su-30MKM was developed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau and is based on the Su-30MKI of the Indian Air Force. Both aircraft have common airframe, thrust vectoring engines and a digital fly-by-wire system, however the MKM version differs from the MKI mainly in the composition of the onboard avionics. It can carry up to 8,000 kg (17,637 lb) payload over a 1,296 km (805 mi; 700 nmi) un-refueled combat radius.
| Su-30MKM | |
|---|---|
| A Royal Malaysian Air Force Su-30MKM | |
| Role | Air superiority fighter, multirole fighter |
| National origin | Russia |
| Designer | Sukhoi |
| Built by | Irkut Corporation |
| First flight | August 2003 |
| Introduction | 2007 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Royal Malaysian Air Force |
| Number built | 18 |
| Developed from | Sukhoi Su-30 |
In 2003, the Su-30MKM was selected by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF). In August 2003, during the course of President Vladimir Putin's official visit to Malaysia, the contract for the Su-30MKM aircraft was signed. Except for Russian MiG-29s, the RMAF has previously operated aircraft of Western origin.