According to Deutsche Welle, Russia is going ahead with plans to deliver Sukhoi Su-30SME fighter jets and Yak-130 training aircraft to Myanmar’s increasingly isolated military regime. Myanmar has spent $807 million on Russian arms imports over the past decade, making Russia the country’s No. 2 military exporter after China. Myanmar has spent $807 million on Russian arms imports over the past decade, making Russia the country’s No. 2 military exporter after China.
Sukhoi Su-30SME is the downgraded export version of Su-30SM. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has revealed a new Su-30SME export variant of the Sukhoi ‘Flanker’ fighter at the Singapore Airshow running from 16 to 21 February. This variant is to have reduced specifications such as a maximum speed of Mach 1.75, a maximum takeoff weight of 34,000 kg (75,000 lb), and a service ceiling of 16,100 m (52,800 ft).
The Sukhoi Su-30SME is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuverable multirole fighter jet developed by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation Corporation (a PJSC United Aircraft Corporation). The fighter ensures effective ADMS defense penetration, it demonstrates great combat capabilities due to significant delivered combat payload. What is more, it has a supermaneuvrability feature that gives Su-30SME an advantage over enemy aircraft.
The Soviet Union used to export aircraft to its allies and clients which featured downgraded radar and weapons systems, and it could be that the Su-30SME will be equipped with somewhat lesser systems than those that come with the Su-30SM. This could be for those nations that perhaps do not have the budget or expertise for the full-spec platform, or for those which Moscow would prefer not to field it.
