Russian Knights Aerobatics Performance at LIMA 2017: Video

The Russian Knights acquired the first batch of Su-30SM fighters in mid-October last year.

Colonel Andrey Alekseev, the leading pilot of “Russian Knights” outlines, “Su-30SM is much easier in control. It is equipped with state-of- the-art systems, what makes its piloting quite comfortable”

The new fighter is the modern combat aircraft with complete on-board avionics systems. Su-30SM is much better than Su-27, precisely in its aiming-navigation system, which allows to make long-range flights without a leading aircraft. An increase on-board fuel load and an in-flight refuelling feature make its flight range unlimited, as limitations are dictated only by a pilot’s physical abilities.

The flights in Malaysia were the world premiere of the "Russian Knights" flying the new Su-30SM supermaneuverable multirole fighters.

Su-30SM epitomizes the further development of Su-30MKI fighters operated by the Indian Air Force and Su-30MKM fighters operated by the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

To a question by Defenseworld.net at a press conference during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) 2017 exhibition, Alekseev said, “As of now, the Russian Knights will not be including any pilots from other nations, but we will be happy to train them if requested to form an aerobatic team for their country.”

“The team has developed new aerobatic stunts that have never been performed on a heavy fighter aircraft,” he added.

At its inaugural performance using Su-30SM fighter jets, the ‘Russian Knights’ team showed off some incredible aerobatics which the team claimed had been developed and practiced within the past one month.

Following its successful LIMA performance, the team expects to repeat its aerobatic displays around the world.

Malaysia is looking at launching its own aerobatics team for the LIMA 2019 edition.

Indications to this effect were available during the last day of LIMA 17 where the defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein said at the closing ceremony turning to the South Korean and Indonesian aerobatics teams, “What you have done is a challenge to all of us now. The Russian Knights want to work with the Malaysian aerobatics team. This is something to celebrate,” he said.