SMF - Just Installed!
The imminent delivery of from Russia of two Sukhoi Su-30MK2 twin-seat versions to Vietnam will make the end of production for the “classic” version of the Flanker multirole fighter. But production of advanced “generation 4++” versions—the Su-30SM, Su-34 and Su-35—featuring markedly different airframes and more powerful engines will continue through at least 2020.Vietnam previously took delivery of 30 out of the 32 Su-30MK2s that it ordered in three batches during 2009, 2012 and 2013. Delivery of the final pair will bring its total fleet to 48, including Su-27SKs, Su-27UBKs as well as Su-30MK2s. Indonesia and Uganda were also recent customers for the Su-30MK2, receiving six each in 2012-13.< snipped >All these Flankers have been produced by Sukhoi’s main factory in Komsomolsk-on-Amur. Meanwhile, the IAZ factory of the Irkut Corporation has been manufacturing the Su-30MKI/MKA/SM series featuring canards (foreplanes) and other improvements, which set them apart from the classic Flanker.
The deal, which was signed in New Delhi by Indian defence minister Manohar Parrikar and his Vietnamese counterpart, General Ngo Xuan Lich, states that training of the fighter pilots from the Vietnam People's Army Air Force (VPAAF) by Indian Air Force (IAF) instructors is set to start in early 2017.Military officials said the two air forces are expected to imminently work out the details on the number of pilots to be trained, the scope of their instruction, and the overall cost.
