Sukhoi Su-27 Su-27SM

From 2004 the Russian Air Force undertook a major update of its Soviet-era Su-27 fleet. The upgraded airframes were designated Su-27SM, from the Russian Seriyniy Modernizovanniy, "serial modernised", and count as 4+ generation aircraft.

Analogue instruments gave way to multi-function displays, the navigation system was improved and a new fire-control system was fitted with a slightly improved radar, an electro-optical sighting system and a more capable mission computer, allowing synthetic-aperture terrain mapping and maritime target detection. The SPO-15 Beryoza radar warning receiver was replaced by the Pastel, and the wingtip Sorbtsiya jamming pods by the more modern Khibiny. Twenty-four Su-27SMs also received slightly uprated engines.

Unlike the basic versions, the Su-27SM can use guided air-to-ground ordnance — Kh-29 and Kh-31 missiles and laser-guided bombs — as well as the R-77 active radar-homing air-to-air missile. Maximum ordnance is 8,000 kg on ten hardpoints, with a maximum speed of 2,500 km/h at altitude, a 3,900 km practical range and an 18,000 m ceiling.