Sukhoi Su-30MKK

Su-30MKK/MK2
PLAAF Sukhoi Su-30MKK at Lipetsk Air Base
Role	All-weather, long-range strike fighter
Manufacturer	KnAAPO
Designer	Sukhoi
Introduction	December 2000
Status	Active service
Primary users	Chinese Air Force Indonesian Air Force Ugandan Air Force Venezuelan Air Force Vietnamese Air Force
Produced	2000–present
Number built	134
Unit cost	US$53 million for the first 38
Developed from	Sukhoi Su-30

The Sukhoi Su-30MKK (NATO reporting name: Flanker-G) is a modification of the Sukhoi Su-30, incorporating advanced technology from the Sukhoi Su-35 variant. Su-30MKK was developed by Sukhoi Company (JSC) in 1997, as a result of a direct Request for tender between the Russian Federation and China. It is a heavy class, all-weather, long-range strike fighter, and like the Sukhoi Su-30, comparable to the American McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle. Su-30MK2 is a further improvement to Su-30MKK with upgraded avionics and maritime strike capabilities. The MKK and MK2 are currently operated by the People's Liberation Army Air Force, Indonesian Air Force, Vietnam People's Air Force, Venezuelan Air Force and the Ugandan Air Force.

The People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) leadership became concerned by the United States Air Force's (USAF) expanding defended-airspace-penetration and precision-strike capability during the 1990s. As defensive orientated tactics were dropped and a more aggressive stance was adopted, the requirement for a heavy fighter with a large combat radius and a precision-guided munition employment capability was placed upon the political leadership of the People's Republic of China.

During a visit to the Russian Federation at the end of 1996, Chinese Premier Li Peng signed an agreement worth US$1.8 billion to purchase 38 advanced Multirole combat aircraft. Technical negotiations started right away.