Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) has shown for the first time a Sukhoi Su-30SM2 aircraft upgraded with the AL-41F-1S engine derived from the more powerful Su-35 and the Su-57 stealth jet.

“Within the framework of the ARMY 2023 ………in Kubinka (airfield) the  recently modernized Su-30SM2 multipurpose fighter-jet designed to gain air supremacy, patrol state borders, intercept aerial targets, and deliver airstrikes on ground targets is presented to general public for the first time.

One of the features of the modernized aircraft is the new propulsion system, which allows to increase the load of ammunition and equipment on board, as well as enables maneuvers during air combat developing a maximum speed of 2,125 KmPh,” the MoD said in an official statement Friday.

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The upgraded Su-30SM2 with the new engine should greatly interest existing Su-30 operators such as India, Algeria, Malaysia and Vietnam which will benefit from upgrading their existing Su-30 fleet with  increased engine power.

Inclusion of the more powerful AL-41F-1S engine (over the earlier AL-31F engine) in the Su-30 will enable carrying heavy missiles such as the Brahmos and other air-to-ground weapons.

Earlier,  Su-30SM2 manufacturer, United Aircraft Corporation had said while announcing the delivery of a batch of Su-30SM2 fighters to the Russian Aerospace Forces:  “New machines receive an improved on-board radio-electronic equipment as a result of which the range of detection and identification of air targets has increased. New high-precision weapons for destroying air, ground and sea targets at a distance of several hundred kilometers have been introduced into the armament of fighters.”