Su-30SM2 Super Sukhoi, rival of the US F-15EX

The Su-30SM2 is an upgraded version of the Su-30SM with a powerful engine and can carry guided missiles and bombs to adapt to modern warfare.
Currently, the Su-30SM is the main line of fighters, along with the Su-35, they are the two backbone fighter lines in the equipment of the Russian Air Force. Currently there are more than 100 Su-30SMs in service, not satisfied with the current strength, Russia continues to upgrade them to the standard Su-30SM2 Super Sukhoi.

Since 2015, Russian engineers have sought to increase the combat capabilities of the Su-30SM. In particular, the plan to combine Su-30SM with Su-35S is also very feasible. To carry out this plan, engineers prepared a new Su-30SM model with a new engine, and studied the possibility of installing a new, more powerful “Irbis” radar instead of the current system. During the modernization process, the developers will propose to install the AL-41F-1C engine using the Su-35 for the Su-30SM2 version. The new engine is much more efficient than the current Su-30SM. “The life cycle of aircraft engines has doubled without increasing weight and size. Equipped with a plasma ignition system, the AL-41F-1C engine is more economical than the AL-31FP engine that the Su-30SM is using. With the same amount of fuel, the upgraded fighter can stay in the sky longer. In addition, the avionics, radar and visual positioning system have also been improved,” said Cadim Kozulin, an expert at the Russian Academy of Military Sciences. With the engine power and possibly the radar will also be upgraded, the Su-30SM2 Super Sukhoi will be a formidable opponent of the latest US F-15EX.