Venezuelan Su-30MK2s: Fighters that Control the Caribbean Skies

The fourth-generation Su-30MK2 fighters in service with the Venezuelan Air Force (VAF) remain a key tool for controlling the country's airspace. These multirole aircraft provide interception, striking maritime and ground targets in the Caribbean region.

What Venezuelan Su-30MK2s Can Do

As a reminder, the Su-30MK2 was created as a heavy fighter with an emphasis on strike missions. The aircraft carries up to 8 tons of weapons and uses air-to-air missiles of medium and long range, including the R-77 and R-27, as well as antiship Kh-31A and Kh-59MK.

The N001VE airborne radar confidently detects aerial targets at ranges of over 100 km and tracks multiple objects simultaneously. The two-member crew reduces workload in complex combat modes and increases the effectiveness of weapon deployment.

Main Technical Characteristics of the Su-30MK2:

• Crew — 2 people
• Engines — 2 × AL-31F turbofan engines with 12,500 kgf thrust each
• Maximum takeoff weight — up to 38,000 kg (reinforced landing gear allows takeoff with full load)
• Speed — up to 2125 km/h at altitude and about 1350 km/h near the ground
• Service ceiling — 16,300 — 17,300 m
• Flight range — up to 3000 km without refueling

Advanced Armament

In late 2025, a video appeared online showing a Su-30MK2 with Russian Kh-31 medium-range air-to-surface missiles. There are two main versions of the missile: anti-radar (Kh-31P) and antiship (Kh-31A). These missiles equip Su-34, Su-30, Su-35S, Su-27SM, Su-24M2 aircraft.

Real Role in the Region

Su-30MK2s regularly participate in exercises, patrols, and interceptions of unidentified aircraft near the country's borders. With refueling and external fuel tanks, the radius of action exceeds 3000 km, making these fighters a factor of strategic deterrence.

In terms of overall characteristics, the Su-30MK2s remain the most powerful combat aircraft in Latin America. However, the exact number of combat-ready aircraft is unknown. Venezuela purchased approximately 24 Su-30MK2 aircraft from Russia in 2006. The deal was estimated at $2.2 billion.

Read More on This Topic:

• The National Interest: Only Half of the Russian Su-30MK2s Delivered to Venezuela Are Operational
• Threatened the U.S. with "Hypersonic Death": Venezuela Showed Off the Latest Russian Su-30MK2 Fighters
• Venezuelan Air Force Showed Footage of Two Su-30MK2 Fighters Flying with Suspended Russian-Made Kh-31 Missiles