Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has revealed a new Su-30SME export variant of the Sukhoi 'Flanker' fighter at the Singapore Airshow running from 16 to 21 February.
Specifically, the twin-seat Su-30SME is billed as an export variant of the Su-30SM that recently entered service with Russia and Kazakhstan (and is reportedly the subject of an anticipated deal with Iran).
The Su-30SM was originally derived from the Su-30MKI that was developed for the Indian Air Force. It features an improved radar, communications and ejector-seat system. In addition, the aircraft's weaponry configuration has been adjusted to Russian specifications, and the French components of the Su-30MKI have been replaced with Russian ones.
With the Su-30SME said to share many of the same Russian-built systems as the Su-30SM, it is unclear as to how exactly this export version (Su-30SME) of what is essentially a domestic version (Su-30SM) of an export aircraft (Su-30MKI) is different.
The Soviet Union used to export aircraft to its allies and clients which featured downgraded radar and weapons systems, and it could be that the Su-30SME will be equipped with somewhat lesser systems than those that come with the Su-30SM. This could be for those nations that perhaps do not have the budget or expertise for the full-spec platform, or for those which Moscow would prefer not to field it.