Based on the Su-27UB "Flanker-C" two-seat trainer, the Su-30 is the interceptor/Strike aircraft variant. Comparable to the American F-15E Strike Eagle, the SU-30M is the multi-role version, and the MK variant is currently in production as an advanced tactical fighter and interceptor for export. The entire family of Sukhoi fighter aircraft with the NATO code name Flanker represents the best the Russian military aviation industry has to offer: The Su-27, Su-30, Su-34 and Su-37 are all high performance fighters, more powerful than the MiG-29, and much more advanced than the MiG-25 or MiG-31. During the 1980's the Flanker was considered to be the greatest threat to American air superiority, maintained by such fighters as the F-15 Eagle. The aircraft is equipped to operate autonomously in combat over hostile territory, in escort of deep penetration strike aircraft and in the suppression of enemy airfields. The Su-27/30 is a highly integrated twin-finned aircraft. The airframe is constructed of titanium and high strength aluminum alloys. In 1969, the Sukhoi Design Bureau won a government contract to design a long-range interceptor that would be superior to any western jet fighters, and would replace several outdated Soviet fighters. The design of the first prototype of the Su-27 (designated T101) was dictated by the growing importance of low-level penetration tactics. Thus, the T101 had to be capable of look-down/shoot-down intercepts of enemy aircraft and low flying cruise missiles. On May 20, 1977, the T101 completed a successful first flight at Zhukovsky Air Base. However, there were problems with drag, engine performance, fuel consumption, and airframe stability. The design bureau substantially modified the aircraft, and an entirely new prototype, known as the T10S, was first flown on April 20, 1981.

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This aircraft, later known as the Su-27, turned out to be a truly outstanding jet fighter, having no equals in maneuverability, range, and combat performance. While the newest version of the Flanker, the Su-37, seems to defy the laws of physics during its unique flight demonstration programs, the Su-27 and Su-30 are already extremely agile fighters, capable of such maneuvers as the tail-slide and the Cobra. The Su-27 has a highly sophisticated quadruplex fly-by-wire remote control system, which prevents the aircraft from entering potentially fatal spins or pull too many g's. In case of emergencies, the aircrew can eject confidently and safely in the Flanker's Zvezda K36DM zero zero ejection seat. It is effective at speeds up to Mach 2 and altitudes up to 80,000 ft. The Su-30 first flew on April 29, 1999 from Zhukovsky Air Base. It has an unrefueled range of 3,600 km, and its advanced radar system and optronics fire control complex allows simultaneous tracking of 10 targets at ranges up to 100 km, and engage two at up to 65 km. Sharing duties between the pilot and pilot-operator decreases combat stress on the crew. During continuous patrols, the flight pilot-operator can take control over the aircraft and give the pilot a break.