Sukhoi Su-27SM fighter makes its debut at Dubai air show

This week's Dubai air show marks the debut of the Sukhoi Su-27SM fighter, a mid-life upgrade of the Su-27SKs in service with the Russian air force with improved ground-attack capability and a new cockpit and avionics (see inset). The Su-27SM can be armed with Kh-31A and Kh-35P anti-ship, Kh-29T/L television/laser-guided missiles, KAB500/1500 guided bombs and R-77 medium-range air-to-air missiles. The Su-37 single-seat export fighter, which was first seen at the 1996 Farnborough air show, but is now fitted with thrust vectoring and new avionics, is to be re-introduced at Dubai with renewed hopes for sales to the Middle East. Sukhoi's strategy is aimed at keeping its 25% share of the international market for tactical combat aircraft.

Source: Flight International