Sukhoi Su-30MKI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) / Sukhoi · India · first flew 1997 · fighter
The Sukhoi Su-30MKI is a twin-engine, two-seat supermaneuvrable multirole air superiority fighter operated by the Indian Air Force as its primary combat aircraft. It combines canard-delta aerodynamics with thrust-vectoring engines for exceptional agility.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, swept |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 21.94 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Indian Air Force twin-engine supermaneuvrable multirole fighter
- Canard foreplanes and thrust-vectoring nozzles
- Flanker family aircraft licence-built by HAL in India
Distinguished within the Flanker family by visible canard foreplanes ahead of the wings and axisymmetric thrust-vectoring engine nozzles; the twin-boom tail arrangement with twin fins and the large ogival wings are characteristic of the Flanker family.
Specifications
- The Sukhoi Su-30MKI has a length of 21.94 m (72 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.7 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 2120 km/h (1317 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the Su-27 Flanker family, the MKI (Modernizirovanniy Kommercheskiy Indiiskiy — Modernized Commercial Indian) variant was developed jointly by Sukhoi and India with significant Indian, Israeli, and French avionics integration. First delivered in 2002, it is licence-built by HAL at Nasik; India has ordered over 270 aircraft, making it the largest Su-30 operator.
Variants
The Su-30MKI is an Indian-specific variant; related export variants include the MKA (Algeria), MKM (Malaysia) and MKK (China), all with differing avionics suites.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Indian Air Force in large numbers; no UK service. The Su-30MKI is the backbone of Indian air power and has been involved in exercises with multiple air forces.
Related aircraft
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