The Russian two-seat multi-role air superiority fighter Su-30SM2 has received new radar stations and weapons systems that allow pilots to effectively resist modern air defense systems, including the American MIM-104 Patriot SAM system. In addition, pilots of the Su-30 family of aircraft are ready for a "meeting" with the F-16. This is according to the Eurasian Times.
According to the Indian publication, the Russian Aerospace Forces received the first batch of Su-30SM2s at the end of 2022. Indian Air Force veteran Vijainder K. Thakur stated that Russian engineers, when developing this modernized version of the aircraft, took into account the experience gained during the campaign in Syria.
The Su-30SM2 is designed to unify the Su-30 family with the Su-35 series in order to minimize overhead costs for logistics and maintenance. The Su-30SM2 can use the full range of modern and advanced high-precision air-to-air and air-to-surface weapons, including KAB-250 guided bombs and Kh-59MK2 air-to-surface guided missiles.
These updates have improved the capabilities of the Su-30SM2 aircraft in real air combat. The Eurasian Times writes that pilots of the Su-30 family of fighters have developed special tactics for conducting combat against the American F-16. The General Dynamics development is not considered a significant threat.
There will be a new target, what's the difference? We're probably even waiting for them to appear
As the Eurasian Times notes, Russian pilots are confident in the superiority of their aircraft over the F-16 in close air combat.
By and large, its aerodynamic characteristics have not changed. It's the same single-engine aircraft. We know its strengths and weaknesses. And when we meet the F-16 in air combat, we will put it in conditions in which we are princes, and they are nobody.
Read more on the topic:
"Digging" into the ground and detonating: Su-30SM2 pilot tested new concrete-piercing bombs
The Daily Telegraph: Russian Aerospace Forces will destroy F-16s very quickly
Nimble and well-armed: Indian pilot named the advantages of the Su-30 over the F-16
