The Su-30SM2 outwardly differs little from the previous Su-30SM, but internally the changes were radical. The main innovation was the Irbis radar complex, originally created for the Su-35S, explained military analyst Andrey Kots.

The target detection range reaches 400 km, while for the early Su-30SM, this figure was about 140 km.

Another important update was the AL-41F-1S engines with thrust vector control — the same power plants are used on the Su-35S. They provide greater thrust, improve maneuverability, and increase combat radius.

Military expert Vasily Dandykin added that the new modifications of Russian "4++" generation fighters surpass most foreign aircraft.

Earlier it became known that the Aerospace Forces and the Navy have about 140 Su-30 series combat aircraft in service. The largest operator of the Su-30 abroad is India.

Active rearmament with Su-30SM2 fighters is also underway in the Kaliningrad region, where they replaced the Su-27.