The Russian Ministry of Defense publishes a video of Su-30SM fighter operations for the first time in a long time

For the first time in a long time, the Russian Ministry of Defense has released a new war-related video about the operations of the Su-30SM. The footage below shows one of these fighter jets, presumably belonging to the 120th OIAP Aviation Regiment, being prepared for a counter-patrol (combined CAP/SEAD mission).

Su-30SM fighter jets and air-to-air missiles of various ranges + Kh-31.https://t.co/MJ8QNqgeqF pic.twitter.com/2An5maqj5f

— Massimo Frantarelli (@MrFrantarelli) June 16, 2023

The Su-30SM is seen to be equipped with two R-73K short-range air-to-air missiles, four R-77-1 medium-range air-to-air missiles, one Kh-31P/PK ARM and two end-mounted ECMs. Two wings (518-LSM1 and 518-PSM).

Unlike the Su-35S, the Su-30SM cannot use the R-37M long-range missiles.

An improved version of the Su-30SM is the Su-30SM2 and is claimed to have nearly identical features to fifth-generation fighters, including advanced radar and communications equipment.

The upgraded Su-30SM2 is already in service with the Russian Air Force and the Russian Navy.

Russia said that the Su-30SM2 fighter is capable of hitting air, land and sea targets with new smart weapons from a distance of hundreds of kilometers.

The Su-30 SM2 is equipped with a multi-channel information and data transmission system developed for the fifth generation fighter. Thus, the pilot can send and receive commands with other planes and helicopters and with the ground station commander. With this capability, the Su-30SM2 can be considered as a modern mobile command post in the tactical command post chain.

In terms of weapons, the Su-30SM2 is equipped with high-precision missiles and high electronic warfare capabilities that help the aircraft avoid enemy missile attacks.