(IN) Sukhoi IAF Su-30K Flanker-C: India's first flanker

Balta779517-live · May 21, 2026, 10:51pm

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IAF Su-30K

Aircraft info:

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The Su-30K is a 4th generation fighter made by the Sukhoi design bureau as an export model of the first Su-30 model with the K in Su-30K meaning “Kommercheskiy” for commercial/export. The Su-30K was primarily intended as an stock gap for the contract for the Indian air force before the more advanced Su-30MKI became available. The Su-30K itself is an fighter capable of performing several duties including long range combat air patrol, escort duties and pilot training duties. Unlike the earlier Su-27 and Su-27UB the Su-30K much greater combat radius and endurance thanks to its retractable IFR probe. And can coordinate much better with other fighters due to its long range radio navigation equipment.

Aircraft history:

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The history of the SU-30K can be traced back to the original Su-27UB being chosen as an starting point for further development in to an interceptor/command post version in the mid 80s. With two prototypes being built from two normal Su-27UBs and receiving the air frame numbers blue 05 and 06 and being designated T10PU-5 and T10PU-6. The new prototypes would feature a retractable IFR probe and a new navigation suite with other changes as well to the FBW, life support system and WCS. With the first flight tests being carried out in 1988 and further trails the same year with these proving successful and the aircraft being ordered in to production as the Su-30. With only a handful of serial production Su-30s being built in the 90s as the Soviet Union collapsed limiting any new fighter purchases. With the aircraft later being marketed for export as the Su-30K. The Indian air force would become the launch customer in 1996 with the signing of the contract for the Indian air force to acquire 8 Su-30K models and 32 Su-30MKI models. With the models being intended to be delivered in batches with gradual improvements to the avionics and power plant over time. With the first delivery taking place in the first half of 1997 and in June 1997 the first 8 Su-30Ks were officially handed over to the Indian air force at the Jodhpur base to the No.24 “Hawks” squadron. at an ceremony taking place at the base, with the air force commander in chief and Prime minister attending. However with the MKI program proceeding at an slower pace than expected the first deliveries of the MKI where postponed until 2000 an batch of additional 10 Su-30Ks were ordered with the contract being signed in 1998 and the 10 Su-30Ks being delivered in 1999.The Su-30K would continue to serve in the Indian air force with newer MKI models arriving later serving along side each other until 2007 with the 18 Su-30K being returned to Russia and being replaced by more the more capable MKI. And the Su-30Ks later being sold to Angola and Ethiopia in the 2010s.

Aircraft specifications:

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