Sukhoi Su-27#Post-Soviet era

{{More citations needed section|date=March 2009}}

File:Sukhoi T-10 Flanker-A 10 blue (9987131666).jpg

In 1969, the Soviet Union learned of the U.S. Air Force's "F-X" program, which resulted in the F-15 Eagle. The Soviet leadership soon realized that the new American fighter would represent a serious technological advantage over existing Soviet fighters. "What was needed was a better-balanced fighter with both good agility and sophisticated systems." In response, the Soviet General Staff issued a requirement for a Perspektivnyy Frontovoy Istrebitel (PFI, literally "Prospective Frontline Fighter", roughly "Advanced Frontline Fighter").{{cite book |editor-last=Spick |editor-first=Mike |date=2000 |title=Great Book of Modern Warplanes |chapter=The Flanker |location=Osceola, WI |publisher=MBI Publishing |isbn=0-7603-0893-4}} Specifications were extremely ambitious, calling for long-range, good short-field performance (including the ability to use austere runways), excellent agility, Mach 2+ speed, and heavy armament. The aerodynamic design for the new aircraft was largely carried out by TsAGI in collaboration with the Sukhoi design bureau.

When the specification proved too challenging and costly for a single aircraft in the number needed, the PFI specification was split into two: the LPFI (Lyogkyi PFI, Lightweight PFI) and the TPFI (Tyazholyi PFI, Heavy PFI). The LPFI program resulted in the Mikoyan MiG-29, a relatively short-range tactical fighter, while the TPFI program was assigned to Sukhoi OKB, which eventually produced the Su-27 and its various derivatives.

The Sukhoi design, which was altered progressively to reflect Soviet awareness of the F-15's specifications, emerged as the T-10 (Sukhoi's 10th design), which first flew on 20 May 1977. The aircraft had a large wing, clipped, with two separate podded engines and a twin tail. The 'tunnel' between the two engines, as on the F-14 Tomcat, acts both as an additional lifting surface and hides armament from radar.

The T-10 was influenced by the Sukhoi Aircraft Design Bureau (Su-ADB), Central Aero-Hydrodynamic Institute TsAGI and the Siberian Aviation Research Institute SibNIA in their development of a new aerodynamic scheme labelled the 'integral scheme', where the aircraft would have optimal performance under a longitudinal unstability of 3-5% mean aerodynamic chord while flying in subsonic regimes as well as fly by wire (FBW) for future heavy fighters. Stability problems present in the development of airframes under similar performance demands such as the YF-22 and JAS-39 Gripen were rectified during the FBW development process through limitation of normal load factor and angle of attack. Controlled high angle of attack maneuverability, known as supermaneuverability, was emphasized after a 1980s study by research teams from Su-ADB and TsAGI showing its effectiveness in close combat.{{Cite web |last=Pogossyan Simonov2 Zaiganov3 Tarasov4 |first=Mickhail Mickhail2 German3 Alexy4 |date=2002 |title=Generation of Su-27 Fighter |url=https://www.icas.org/icas_archive/ICAS2002/PAPERS/R72.PDF |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=icas.org}}

File:Su-27 05.jpg

File:P-42 at Ramenskoye.jpg

The T-10 was spotted by Western observers initially in satellite photographs at Ramenskoye air base, where it was first called "Ram-K" and later assigned the NATO reporting name 'Flanker-A'. The development of the T-10 was marked by considerable problems, leading to a fatal crash of the second prototype, the T-10-2 on 7 July 1978,{{cite web |url=http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_history.htm |title=Aircraft - Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Historical Events & Key Dates |first=Niels |last=Hillebrand |website=Milavia |access-date=8 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809212601/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_history.htm |archive-date=9 August 2011 |url-status=live}} due to shortcomings in the fly-by-wire control system.{{cite web |url=http://su-27flanker.com/versions/t-10-flanker-a/ |title=Prototype of Su-27 and whole Flanker family – T-10 Flanker A |website=SU-27 Flanker.com |access-date=6 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150817041202/http://su-27flanker.com/versions/t-10-flanker-a/ |archive-date=17 August 2015 |url-status=dead}} Extensive redesigns followed (T-10-3 through T-10-15) and a revised version of the T-10-7, now designated the T-10S, made its first flight on 20 April 1981. It also crashed due to control problems and was replaced by T-10-12 which became T-10S-2. This one also crashed on 23 December 1981 during a high-speed test, killing the pilot.{{cite web |title=Prototype of Su-27 and whole Flanker family – T-10 Flanker A |url=http://su-27flanker.com/versions/t-10-flanker-a |website=Su-27 Flanker.com |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150314230408/http://su-27flanker.com/versions/t-10-flanker-a/ |archive-date=14 March 2015 |url-status=dead}} Eventually the T-10-15 demonstrator, T-10S-3, evolved into the definitive Su-27 configuration.{{cite journal |last1=Kopp |first1=Dr. Carlo |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html |title=Sukhoi Flankers: The Shifting Balance of Regional Air Power (Technical Report APA-TR-2007-0101) |website=Air Power Australia |date=7 January 2007 |pages=1 |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071226195336/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html |archive-date=26 December 2007 |url-status=live}}

The T-10S-3 was modified and officially designated the P-42, setting a number of world records for time-to-height,{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07tEk-9j69I |title=The fastest climb in aviation history. Climbing time record of the Su-27 to an altitude of 12 km |date=5 July 2020 |website=YouTube |access-date=8 December 2020 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709201016/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07tEk-9j69I |url-status=live }} beating those set in 1975 by a similarly modified F-15 called "The Streak Eagle".{{cite web |title=40 Years Ago, 'Streak Eagle' Smashed Records for 'Time to Climb' |url=http://www.utc.com/News/PW/Pages/40-Years-Ago-Streak-Eagle-Smashed-Records-for-Time-to-Climb.aspx |website=United Technologies Corp. |access-date=6 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122156/http://www.utc.com/News/PW/Pages/40-Years-Ago-Streak-Eagle-Smashed-Records-for-Time-to-Climb.aspx |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead}} The P-42 "Streak Flanker" was stripped of all armament, radar and operational equipment. The fin tips, tail-boom and the wingtip launch rails were also removed. The composite radome was replaced by a lighter metal version. The aircraft was stripped of paint, polished and all drag-producing gaps and joints were sealed. The engines were modified to deliver an increase in thrust of {{convert|1000|kg|abbr=on}}, resulting in a thrust-to-weight ratio of almost 2:1 (for comparison with standard example see Specifications).{{cite web |title=P-42 Record Flanker |url=http://www.propro.ru/flankers/eng/su-27.htm#p42 |website=ProPro Group |access-date=6 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150312181931/http://propro.ru/flankers/eng/Su-27.htm#p42 |archive-date=12 March 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite book |last1=Winchester |first1=Jim |title=Jet fighters : inside & out |date=2012 |publisher=Rosen Pub. |location=New York |isbn=978-1-4488-5982-5 |page=130 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3shgcJXesN0C&pg=PA130 |access-date=6 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201416/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=3shgcJXesN0C&pg=PA130 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:Sukhoi Su-27UB ’17 red’ (37514194274).jpg]]

The production Su-27 (sometimes Su-27S, NATO designation 'Flanker-B') began to enter VVS operational service in 1985, although manufacturing difficulties kept it from appearing in strength until 1990.{{cite web |url=http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su27sk/history/ |title=Airplanes - Military Aircraft - Su-27SÊ - Historical background |website=Sukhoi Company (JSC) |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214080912/http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su27sk/history/ |archive-date=14 February 2015 |url-status=dead}} The Su-27 served with both the V-PVO and Frontal Aviation. Operational conversion of units to the type occurred using the Su-27UB (Russian for Uchebno Boevoy - "combat trainer", NATO designation 'Flanker-C') twin-seat trainer, with the pilots seated in tandem.{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=Sukhoi SU-27UB "FLANKER-C" TRAINER |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3566120/sukhoi-su-27ub-flanker-c-trainer/ |website=www.nationalmuseum.af.mil |access-date=6 July 2024 |ref=National Museum Of The United States Air Force}}

When the naval Flanker trainer was being conceived the Soviet Air Force was evaluating a replacement for the Su-24 "Fencer" strike aircraft, and it became evident to Soviet planners at the time that a replacement for the Su-24 would need to be capable of surviving engagements with the new American F-15 and F-16. The Sukhoi bureau concentrated on adaptations of the standard Su-27UB tandem-seat trainer. However, the Soviet Air Force favoured the crew station (side-by-side seating) approach used in the Su-24 as it worked better for the high workload and potentially long endurance strike roles. Therefore, the conceptual naval side-by-side seated trainer was used as the basis for development of the Su-27IB (Russian for Istrebityel Bombardirovshchik - "fighter bomber") as an Su-24 replacement in 1983. The first production airframe was flown in early 1994 and renamed the Su-34 (NATO reporting name 'Fullback').{{cite journal |last1=Kopp |first1=Dr. Carlo |title=Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback: Russia's New Heavy Strike Fighter (Technical Report APA-TR-2007-0108) |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Fullback.html |website=Air Power Australia |date=April 2012 |pages=1 |access-date=19 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150317021534/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Fullback.html |archive-date=17 March 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:The 279th separate naval fighter regiment (Murmansk Region) (26).jpg on approach]]

Development of a version for the Soviet Navy designated Su-27K (from Korabyelny - "shipborne", NATO designation 'Flanker-D') commenced not long after the development of the main land-based type. Some of the T-10 demonstrators were modified to test features of navalized variants for carrier operations. These modified demonstrators led to specific prototypes for the Soviet Navy, designated "T-10K". The T-10Ks had canards, an arresting hook and carrier landing avionics as well as a retractable inflight refueling probe. They did not have the landing gear required for carrier landings or folding wings. The first T-10K flew in August 1987 flown by the famous Soviet test pilot Viktor Pugachev (who first demonstrated the Cobra maneuver using an Su-27 in 1989), performing test takeoffs from a land-based ski-jump carrier deck on the Black Sea coast at Saky in the Ukrainian SSR. The aircraft was lost in an accident in 1988.

At the time the naval Flanker was being developed the Soviets were building their first generation of aircraft carriers and had no experience with steam catapults and did not want to delay the introduction of the carriers. Thus it was decided to use a takeoff method that did not require catapults by building up full thrust against a blast deflector until the aircraft sheared restraints holding it down to the deck. The fighter would then accelerate up the deck onto a ski jump and become airborne.{{cite web |last1=Goebel |first1=Greg |title=[1.0] First-Generation Su-27s - [1.5] Naval Su-27K (Su-33) |url=http://www.airvectors.net/avsu27_1.html#m5 |website=AirVectors.net |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129032144/http://www.airvectors.net/avsu27_1.html#m5 |archive-date=29 November 2014 |url-status=live}}

The production Su-27K featured the required strengthened landing gear with a two-wheel nose gear assembly, folding stabilators and wings, outer ailerons that extended further with inner double slotted flaps and enlarged leading-edge slats for low-speed carrier approaches, modified leading edge root extension (LERX) with canards, a modified ejection seat angle, upgraded fly-by-wire, upgraded hydraulics, an arresting hook and retractable inflight refuelling probe with a pair of deployable floodlights in the nose to illuminate the tanker at night. The Su-27K began carrier trials in November 1989, again with Pugachev at the controls, onboard the first Soviet aircraft carrier, called Tbilisi at the time and formal carrier operations commenced in September 1991.{{cite journal |last1=Kopp |first1=Dr Carlo |title=Sukhoi Su-33 and Su-33UB Flanker D Shenyang J-15 Flanker D (Technical Report APA-TR-2008-0603) |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Maritime-Flanker-D.html |website=Air Power Australia |date=25 June 2008 |pages=1 |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150416015653/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Maritime-Flanker-D.html |archive-date=16 April 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Kuznetsov class heavy aviation cruiser |url=http://www.military-today.com/navy/kuznetsov_class.htm |website=Military-Today.com |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150309080724/http://www.military-today.com/navy/kuznetsov_class.htm |archive-date=9 March 2015 |url-status=usurped}}

Development of the naval trainer, called the Su-27KUB (from Korabyelny Uchebno-Boyevoy - "shipborne trainer-combat"), began in 1989. The aim was to produce an airframe with dual roles for the Navy and Air Force suitable for a range of other missions such as reconnaissance, aerial refuelling, maritime strike, and jamming. This concept then evolved into the Su-27IB (Su-34 "Fullback") for the Soviet Air Force. The naval trainer had a revised forward fuselage to accommodate a side-by-side cockpit seating arrangement with crew access via a ladder in the nose-wheel undercarriage and enlarged canards, stabilisers, fins and rudders. The wings had extra ordnance hardpoints and the fold position was also moved further outboard. The inlets were fixed and did not feature foreign object damage suppression hardware. The central fuselage was strengthened to accommodate {{convert|45|t|lb|abbr=off}} maximum gross weight and internal volume was increased by 30%. This first prototype, the T-10V-1, flew in April 1990 conducting aerial refuelling trials and simulated carrier landing approaches on the Tbilisi. The second prototype, the T-10V-2 was built in 1993 and had enlarged internal fuel tanks, enlarged spine, lengthened tail and tandem dual wheel main undercarriage.

In 1991, the production facilities at Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Plant and Irkutsk developed export variants of the Su-27: the Su-27SK single seat fighter and Su-27UBK twin-seat trainer, (the K in both variants is Russian for "Kommercheskiy" - literally "Commercial"){{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=Su-27UBK FLANKER |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/su-27ubk.htm |website=Global Security |access-date=7 July 2024 |ref=Global Security}} which have been exported to China, Vietnam, Ethiopia and Indonesia.{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=Su-27 (Flanker) Russian Multirole Fighter Aircraft |url=https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/Su-27_(Flanker)_Russian_Multirole_Fighter_Aircraft |website=odin.tradoc.army |publisher=The United States Army |access-date=7 July 2024 |ref=ODIN}}

After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Russia, the successor state, started development of advanced variants of the Su-27 including the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, Su-35, and Su-37.

Since 1998 the export Su-27SK has been produced as the Shenyang J-11 in China under licence. The first licensed-production plane, assembled in Shenyang from Russian supplied kits, was flight tested on 16 December 1998. These licence-built versions, which numbered 100, were designated J-11A. The next model, the J-11B made extensive use of Chinese developed systems within the Su-27SK airframe.{{cite journal |last1=Kopp |first1=Dr Carlo |title=PLA-AF and PLA-N Flanker Variants (Technical Report APA-TR-2012-0401) |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Flanker-Variants.html |website=Air Power Australia |date=7 April 2012 |pages=1 |access-date=7 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122009/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Flanker-Variants.html |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

Starting in 2004, the Russian Air Force began a major update of the original Soviet Su-27 ('Flanker-B') fleet. The upgraded variants were designated Su-27SM (Russian for "Seriyniy Modernizovanniy" - literally "Serial Modernized"). This included upgrades in air-to-air capability with the R-77 missile with an active radar homing head. The modernized Su-27SM fighters belong to the 4+ generation. The strike capability was enhanced with the addition of the Kh-29T/TE/L and Kh-31P/Kh-31A ASM and KAB-500KR/KAB-1500KR smart bombs. The avionics were also upgraded.{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=[2.0] Second-Generation Su-27s & Derivatives |url=https://www.airvectors.net/avsu27_2.html |website=Air Vectors |access-date=7 July 2024 |ref=Air Vectors}} The Russian Air Force is currently receiving aircraft modernized to the SM3 standard. The aircraft’s efficiency to hit air and ground targets has increased 2 and 3 times than in the basic Su-27 variant. Su-27SM3 has two additional stations under the wing and a much stronger airframe. The aircraft is equipped with new onboard radio-electronic systems and a wider range of applicable air weapons. The aircraft’s cockpit has multifunctional displays.{{cite web |url=http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/november/4644-russian-air-force-sets-up-new-su-27sm3-wing.html |title=Russian Air Force sets up new Su-27SM3 wing |date=November 2018 |website=AirRecognition.com |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122172058/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/global-defense-security-news/global-news-2018/november/4644-russian-air-force-sets-up-new-su-27sm3-wing.html |archive-date=22 November 2018 |url-status=live}}

The Su-30 is a two-seat multi-role version developed from the Su-27UBK and was designed for export and evolved into two main variants. The export variant for China, the SU-30MKK ('Flanker-G') which first flew in 1999. The other variant developed as the export version for India, the Su-30MKI ('Flanker-H') was delivered in 2002 and has at least five other configurations.

The Su-33 is the Russian Navy version of the Soviet Su-27K which was redesignated by the Sukhoi Design Bureau after 1991. Both have the NATO designation 'Flanker-D'.

The Su-34 is the Russian derivative of the Soviet-era Su-27IB, which evolved from the Soviet Navy Su-27KUB operational conversion trainer. It was previously referred to as the Su-32MF.

The newest and most advanced version of the Su-27 is the Su-35S ("Serial"). The Su-35 was previously referred to as the Su-27M, Su-27SM2, and Su-35BM.{{cite web |last1=Katz |first1=Dan |title=Program Dossier - Sukhoi Flanker |url=http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2014/11/asd_11_14_2014_Flanker6.pdf |website=Aviation Week |access-date=7 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402101322/http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2014/11/asd_11_14_2014_Flanker6.pdf |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=dead}}

The Su-37 is an advanced technology demonstrator derived from Su-35 prototypes, featuring thrust vectoring nozzles made of titanium rather than steel and an updated airframe containing a high proportion of carbon-fibre and Al-Li alloy.{{cite web |title=Su-37 |url=https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/su-37.htm |first=John |last=Pike |date=March 11, 1999 |website=Federation of American Scientists |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402112523/http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/su-37.htm |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}} Only two examples were built and in 2002 one crashed, effectively ending the program. The Su-37 improvements did however make it into new Flanker variants such as the Su-35S and the Su-30MKI.{{cite web |title=Su-37 Flanker-F Fighter, Russia |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su37/ |website=Airforce-Technology.com |access-date=21 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313004737/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su37 |archive-date=13 March 2015 |url-status=live}}

File:Cockpit of Sukhoi Su-27 (2).jpg

The Su-27's basic design is aerodynamically similar to the MiG-29, but it is substantially larger. The wings are attached to the center of the fuselage at the leading edge extensions, featuring a semi-delta design, with the tips cropped for missile rails or ECM pods. The fighter is also an example of a tailed delta wing configuration,{{failed verification|date=December 2024}} retaining conventional horizontal tailplanes.{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=Su-27 "Flanker" Technical Data. |url=https://www.flymig.com/aircraft/Su-27/ |website=Fly MiG |access-date=7 July 2024 |ref=Fly MiG}}

File:Su-27 Cobra 2b.png]]

The Su-27 had the Soviet Union's first operational fly-by-wire control system, based on the Sukhoi OKB's experience with the T-4 bomber project. Combined with relatively low wing loading and powerful basic flight controls, it makes for an exceptionally agile aircraft, controllable even at very low speeds and high angle of attack. In airshows the aircraft has demonstrated its maneuverability with a Cobra maneuver – or dynamic deceleration – briefly sustained level flight at a 120° angle of attack.

File:Su-27 armament.jpg missiles]]

The naval version of the 'Flanker', the Su-27K (or Su-33), incorporates canards for additional lift, reducing takeoff distances. These canards have also been incorporated in some Su-30s, the Su-35, and the Su-37.

The Su-27 is equipped with a Phazotron N001 Myech coherent Pulse-Doppler radar with track while scan and look-down/shoot-down capability. The fighter also has an OLS-27 infrared search and track (IRST) system in the nose just forward of the cockpit with an {{convert|80|–|100|km|mi|abbr=on}} range.{{Cite web |url=http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2004/04fisher_report/7airforcesystems.htm |title=Sukhoi Su-27SK Flanker-B |date=2004 |website=U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429145750/http://www.uscc.gov/researchpapers/2004/04fisher_report/7airforcesystems.htm |url-status=dead |archivedate=29 April 2007}}

The Su-27 is armed with a single {{convert|30|mm|in|sigfig=3|abbr=on}} Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 cannon in the starboard wingroot, and has up to 10 hardpoints for missiles and other weapons. Its standard missile armament for air-to-air combat is a mixture of R-73 (AA-11 Archer) and R-27 (AA-10 'Alamo') missiles, the latter including extended range and infrared homing models.

{{clear}}

File:Su-27SM3 flight, Celebration of the 100th anniversary of Russian Air Force.jpg

The Soviet Air Force began receiving Su-27s in June 1985. The first frontline unit to receive the Su-27 was the 831st Fighter Aviation Regiment at Myrhorod Air Base, Ukrainian SSR, in November 1985.{{cite web |first=Vladimir |last=Trendafflovski |url=https://www.key.aero/article/ukrainian-su-27-flankers-front-line |title=Ukrainian Su-27 Flankers on the front line |website=key.aero |date=21 March 2019 |access-date=3 May 2023 |archive-date=2 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230502130056/https://www.key.aero/article/ukrainian-su-27-flankers-front-line |url-status=live }} It officially entered service in August 1990.

On 13 September 1987, a fully armed Soviet Su-27, Red 36, intercepted a Norwegian Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft flying over the Barents Sea. The Soviet fighter performed different close passes, colliding with the reconnaissance aircraft on the third pass. The Su-27 disengaged and both aircraft landed safely at their bases.{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_287.shtml |title=Bear Hunters, Part 3: Collision with Flanker |first=Tom |last=Cooper |date=September 29, 2003 |website=Air Combat Information Group Database |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729152940/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_287.shtml |archive-date=29 July 2014 |url-status=usurped}}

These aircraft were used by the Russian Air Force during the 1992–1993 war in Abkhazia against Georgian forces. One fighter, piloted by Major Vatslav Aleksandrovich Shipko (Вацлав Александрович Шипко) was reported shot down in friendly fire by an S-75M Dvina on 19 March 1993 while intercepting Georgian Su-25s performing close air support. The pilot was killed.{{cite magazine |url=http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2008/item3/article3/ |title=Georgia's Air Defense in the War with South Ossetia |first=Said |last=Aminov |magazine=Moscow Defense Brief |number=3 |date=2008 |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090711165314/http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/3-2008/item3/article3/ |archive-date=11 July 2009 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_282.shtml |title=Georgia and Abkhazia, 1992-1993: the War of Datchas |first=Tom |last=Cooper |date=September 29, 2003 |website=Air Combat Information Group Database |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080303054854/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_282.shtml |archive-date=3 March 2008 |url-status=usurped}}

In the 2008 South Ossetia War, Russia used Su-27s to gain airspace control over Tskhinvali, the capital city of South Ossetia.{{Cite web |url=https://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/stopsheling/ |title=Грузинские войска отступают из Цхинвали |trans-title=Georgian troops retreat from Tskhinvali |language=ru |date=August 8, 2008 |website=Lenta.ru |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081030074525/http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/stopsheling/ |url-status=live |archivedate=30 October 2008}}{{Cite web |url=http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/strikes/ |title=Российские самолеты бомбят позиции грузинских войск |trans-title=Russian planes are bombing Georgian army positions |language=ru |date=August 8, 2008 |website=Lenta.ru |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081026164556/http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/08/strikes/ |url-status=live |archivedate=26 October 2008}}

On 7 February 2013, two Su-27s briefly entered Japanese airspace off Rishiri Island near Hokkaido, flying south over the Sea of Japan before turning back to the north. Four Mitsubishi F-2 fighters were scrambled to visually confirm the Russian planes,{{cite news |title=Japan accuses Russian jets of violating airspace |url=http://dawn.com/2013/02/08/japan-accuses-russian-jets-of-violating-airspace/ |newspaper=Dawn |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=9 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130208094621/http://dawn.com/2013/02/08/japan-accuses-russian-jets-of-violating-airspace/ |archive-date=8 February 2013 |url-status=live}} warning them by radio to leave their airspace.{{cite web |title=Japan scrambles fighter jets as Russian warplanes intrude into airspace |url=http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2291677&language=en |website=Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=10 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130516080546/http://www.kuna.net.kw/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=2291677&language=en |archive-date=16 May 2013 |url-status=live}} A photo taken by a JASDF pilot of one of the two Su-27s was released by the Japan Ministry of Defense.{{cite web |title=Japan says 2 Russian fighters entered its airspace |url=https://news.yahoo.com/japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-airspace-141944662.html |first=Mari |last=Yamaguchi |date=7 February 2013 |website=Yahoo! News |access-date=9 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130211204959/http://news.yahoo.com/japan-says-2-russian-fighters-entered-airspace-141944662.html |archive-date=11 February 2013 |url-status=dead}} Russia denied the incursion, saying the jets were making routine flights near the disputed Kuril Islands.{{cite web |title=Russian fighter jets 'breach Japan airspace' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21364559 |work=BBC News |date=7 February 2013 |access-date=21 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806170254/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21364559 |archive-date=6 August 2017 |url-status=live}}

File:Russian SU-27 Flanker with RAF Typhoon MOD 45157730.jpg meet over the Baltic, June 2014]]

Russia plans to replace the Su-27 and the Mikoyan MiG-29 eventually with the Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation multi-role twin-engine fighter.{{cite web |title=Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA Stealth Fighter, Russia |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/sukhoit50stealthfigh/ |website=Airforce-Technology.com |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150331010927/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/sukhoit50stealthfigh |archive-date=31 March 2015 |url-status=live}}

A squadron of Su-27SM3s was deployed to Syria in November 2015 as part of the Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War.{{Cite web |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/these-are-the-10-russian-military-aircraft-stationed-in-syria-2017-10?IR=T |title=These are the 11 types of Russian military jets and planes known to be stationed in Syria |first=Daniel |last=Brown |date=February 26, 2018 |website=Business Insider |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426075519/https://www.businessinsider.com/these-are-the-10-russian-military-aircraft-stationed-in-syria-2017-10?IR=T |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.weaponews.com/news/10103-su-27sm3-seen-in-syria.html |title=Su-27SM3 seen in Syria |date=2017-06-29 |website=Weaponews.com |access-date=18 July 2021 |archive-date=18 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210718124449/https://www.weaponews.com/news/10103-su-27sm3-seen-in-syria.html |url-status=live }}

A Russian Su-27 crashed over the Black Sea on 25 March 2020, in mysterious circumstances. The pilot was not found,{{Cite web |url=https://tass.com/emergencies/1195247 |title=Rocket's engine blast caused Su-27 jet's crash in Crimea in March 2020 |date=30 August 2020 |website=TASS |access-date=15 September 2020 |archive-date=31 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831051634/https://tass.com/emergencies/1195247 |url-status=live }} after a large-scale rescue effort hampered by inclement weather involving four helicopters, 11 civilian and military vessels, and several drones. The plane's last location was some 50 kilometers from the city of Feodosia.{{cite news |title=Russian pilot missing after military jet crashes into Black Sea |url=https://www.dw.com/en/russian-pilot-missing-after-military-jet-crashes-into-black-sea/a-52931725 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=26 March 2022 |access-date=26 June 2022 |archive-date=26 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626231118/https://www.dw.com/en/russian-pilot-missing-after-military-jet-crashes-into-black-sea/a-52931725 |url-status=live }}

File:PLAAF J-11BS - 1.jpg J-11BS]]

China was the first foreign operator of Su-27 and the only country to acquire the fighter before the fall of the Soviet Union. The deal, known as the '906 Project' in China, marked a leap in Chinese aviation capability in the 1990s. Discussion of the aircraft purchase began in 1988 when the Soviet Union offered China fourth-generation fighters like MiG-29. However, the Chinese negotiator insisted on purchasing the Su-27, the most sophisticated fighter Soviets had at the time. The sales were approved in December 1990, with three fighters delivered to China before the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russia completed the contract and allowed China to manufacture the Su-27 domestically, where the aircraft is designated as J-11.

The earliest batch of Su-27s was stationed at the Wuhu Air Base in the early 1990s.{{cite web |url= https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/07/world/china-to-buy-72-advanced-fighter-planes-from-russia.html |title= China to Buy 72 Advanced Fighter Planes From Russia |website= New York Times |date= 7 February 1996 |first= Patrick |last= E. Tyler |access-date= 9 September 2022 |archive-date= 9 September 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220909011216/https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/07/world/china-to-buy-72-advanced-fighter-planes-from-russia.html |url-status= live }} In the next two decades, 78 Flankers were delivered under three separate contracts by the Russian KnAAPO and IAPO plants. Delivery of the aircraft began in February 1991 and finished by September 2009. The first contract was for 20 Su-27SK and 4 Su-27UBK aircraft. In February 1991, a Su-27 performed a flight demonstration at Beijing's Nanyuan Airport. Chinese Su-27 pilots described its performance as "outstanding" in all aspects and flight envelopes. The official induction to service with the PLAAF occurred shortly thereafter. China found some of the aircraft delivered were Su-27UBs that had been built in 1989 for the Soviet Union but never delivered. Russia delivered 2 more Su-27UBKs to China as a compensation.{{cite web |url=http://slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn/slide_8_60922_31245.html#p=1 |title=考据的魅力——教你如何识别中国苏-27系列战机 |trans-title=The charm of textual research - teach you how to identify the Chinese Su-27 series fighters |language=zh |date=20 August 2014 |website=SINA |access-date=5 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150323151804/http://slide.mil.news.sina.com.cn/slide_8_60922_31245.html#p=1 |archive-date=23 March 2015 |url-status=live}}

Differences in the payment method delayed the signing of the second, identical contract. For the first batch, 70% of the payment had been made in barter transactions with light industrial goods and food. The Russian Federation argued that future transactions should be made in US dollars. In May 1995, Chinese Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Liu Huaqing visited Russia and agreed to the demand, on the condition that the production line of the Su-27 be imported.{{clarify|date=November 2022}} The contract was signed the same year. Delivery of the final aircraft from the second batch, which consisted of 16 Su-27SKs and 8 Su-27UBKs, occurred in July 1996. In preparation for the expanding Su-27 fleet, the PLAAF sought to augment its trainer fleet.

On 3 December 1999, a third contract was signed, this time for 28 Su-27UBKs. All 76 of the aircraft featured a strengthened airframe and landing gear – the result of the PLAAF's demands for air-to-ground capability. As a result, the aircraft is capable of employing most of the conventional air-to-ground ordnance produced by Russia. Maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) increased to {{convert|33000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.{{cite book |last1=Donald |first1=David |last2=Lake |first2=Jon |title=Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft |publisher=Aerospace Publications |year=1994 |isbn=1-880588-14-5 |url=https://sirviper.com/index.php?page=fighters/su-27/index}} As is common for Russian export fighters, the active jamming device was downgraded; Su-27's L005 ECM pod was replaced with the L203/L204 pod. Furthermore, there were slight avionics differences between the batches. The first batch had N001E radar, while the later aircraft had N001P radar, capable of engaging two targets at the same time. Additionally, ground radar and navigational systems were upgraded. The aircraft are not capable of deploying the R-77 "Adder" missile due to a downgraded fire control system,{{cite journal |last=Wei |first=Bai |title=A Flanker by any other name |journal=Air Forces Monthly |date=May 2012 |issue=290 |pages=72–77}} except for the last batch of 28 Su-27UBKs.

At the 2009 Farnborough Airshow, Alexander Fomin- Deputy Director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Co-operation confirmed the existence of an all-encompassing contract and ongoing licensed production of Su-27 variants by China. The aircraft was being produced as the Shenyang J-11.{{cite journal |last=Rupprecht |first=Andreas |title=China's 'Flanker' gains momentum. Shenyang J-11 update |journal=Combat Aircraft Monthly |date=December 2011 |volume=12 |issue=12 |pages=40–42}}

Ethiopian Su-27s shot down two Eritrean MiG-29s and damaged another one during the Eritrean-Ethiopian War{{cite web |url=http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_ops.htm |title=Su-27 operations |website=Milavia |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080828025525/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_ops.htm |archive-date=28 August 2008 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_192.shtml |title=Different African Air-to-Air Victories |date=September 2, 2003 |website=Air Combat Information Group |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111061203/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_192.shtml |archive-date=11 January 2010}} in February 1999 and destroyed another two in May 2000.{{cite web |url=http://users.accesscomm.ca/magnusfamily/noname.htm |title=Air-to-air claims during Ethiopian/Eritrean Conflicts in 1999-2000 |first=Allan |last=Magnus |date=January 16, 2004 |website=Air Aces |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020924010902/http://users.accesscomm.ca/magnusfamily/noname.htm |archive-date=24 September 2002 |url-status=live}} The Su-27s were also used in combat air patrol (CAP) missions, suppression of air defense, and providing escort for fighters on bombing and reconnaissance missions."ke bahru be chilfa" (Ethiopian Air Force graduation publication, May 2007), pp. 72–73. The Su-27 has replaced the aging Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21, which was the main air superiority fighter of the ETAF between 1977 and 1999.{{cite web |last1=Kyzer |first1=Jonathan |last2=Cooper |first2=Tom |first3=Frithjof Johan |last3=Ruud |name-list-style=amp |date=17 January 2003 |title=Air War between Ethiopia and Eritrea, 1998-2000 |url=http://www.dankalia.com/archive/2003/030117.htm |website=Dankalia.com |publisher=Air Combat Information Group |access-date=10 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904072050/http://www.dankalia.com/archive/2003/030117.htm |archive-date=4 September 2015 |url-status=live}}

Ethiopian government used its Su-27s for bombing targets during the Tigray War. Ethiopian Su-27s were depicted armed with OFAB-250 unguided bombs and over the skies of Mekelle.{{cite web |last1=Zettlemoyer |first1=Ryan |title=ETHIOPIA |url=http://www.sukhoi.mariwoj.pl/su-30-et.htm |website=Sukhoi Su-30 In Colours |publisher=sukhoi.mariwoj.pl |access-date=8 July 2024 |ref=sukhoi.mariwoj.pl}}

On 25 August 2022, Ethiopian authorities claimed an An-26 was intercepted and then shot down by an ETAF Su-27, scrambled to investigate the airspace violation incoming from Sudan.{{Cite web|url=https://gerjon.substack.com/p/shot-down-or-not-shot-down-assessing|title=Shot down or not shot down? Assessing Ethiopian Air Force claims.|website=gerjon.substack.com|date=27 August 2022|access-date=28 August 2022|archive-date=28 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828080459/https://gerjon.substack.com/p/shot-down-or-not-shot-down-assessing|url-status=live}}

The Su-27 entered Angolan service in mid-2000 during the Angolan Civil War. It is reported that one Su-27 in the process of landing, was shot down by 9K34 Strela-3 MANPADs fired by UNITA forces on 19 November 2000.{{cite magazine |url=http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/2-2001/ff/atdjm/#_ednref24 |title=Arms Trade Database for January-March 2001 |magazine=Moscow Defense Brief |number=2 |date=2001 |access-date=23 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920082947/http://mdb.cast.ru/mdb/2-2001/ff/atdjm/#_ednref24 |archive-date=20 September 2008 |url-status=dead}}

File:Indonesian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27SKM Flanker.jpg Sukhoi Su-27SKM Flanker]]

Four Indonesian Flanker-type fighters including Su-27s participated for the first time in the biennial Exercise Pitch Black exercise in Australia on 27 July 2012. Arriving at Darwin, Australia, the two Su-27s and two Sukhoi Su-30s were escorted by two Australian F/A-18 Hornets of No. 77 Squadron, Royal Australian Air Force.{{cite web |url=http://defense-update.com/20120727_pitch_black_fencers.html |title=Indonesian Sukhois Arrive at Darwin for Pitch Black 2012 |date=27 July 2012 |website=Defense Update |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313133008/http://defense-update.com/20120727_pitch_black_fencers.html |archive-date=13 March 2015 |url-status=live}} Exercise Pitch Black 12 was conducted from 27 July through 17 August 2012, and involved 2,200 personnel and up to 94 aircraft from Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and the United States.{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsexercise-pitch-black-2012-concludes |title=Exercise Pitch Black 2012 concludes |date=19 August 2012 |website=Airforce Technology |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224142253/http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsexercise-pitch-black-2012-concludes |archive-date=24 December 2014 |url-status=live}}

File:Ukrainian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27P Flanker (29583343448).jpg Su-27P arrives at the 2018 RIAT, England]]

File:Ukrainian Su-27s during a Bomber Task Force Europe mission.jpg

File:President took part in the festive Parade of Troops on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. (51716068356).jpg during the Kyiv Independence Day Parade on 24 August 2021.]]

The Ukrainian Air Force inherited about 66-70 Su-27 aircraft after the collapse of the Soviet Union.{{sfnp|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=100}} Lack of funds in addition to the Su-27's high maintenance requirements led to a shortage of spare parts and inadequate servicing with approximately 34 in service as of 2019.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jul-29-fg-airshow29-story.html |title=Ukraine Arrests 4 in Air Show Crash |first=Robyn |last=Dixon |date=29 July 2002 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=15 February 2020 |archive-date=15 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200215133413/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jul-29-fg-airshow29-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2157458.stm |title=Sukhoi Su-27: Dazzling Russian fighter |work=BBC News |date=28 July 2002 |access-date=19 February 2020 |archive-date=18 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218174257/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2157458.stm |url-status=live }} Years of underfunding meant that the air force has not received a new Su-27 since 1991. Between 2007 and 2017, as many as 65 combat jets were sold abroad, including nine Su-27s. In 2009, amid declining relations with Russia, the Ukrainian Air Force began to have difficulty obtaining spare parts from Sukhoi.{{cite magazine |title=The Russian Jet That Fights for Both Sides |url=https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/fighter-jet-fights-both-sides-180975834/ |magazine=Air & Space |first=Valeriy |last=Romanenko |date=October 2020 |others=Translation by Dan Zamansky |access-date=25 September 2020 |archive-date=24 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200924081358/https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/fighter-jet-fights-both-sides-180975834/ |url-status=live }} Only 19 Su-27s were serviceable at the time of the Russian annexation of Crimea and subsequent War in Donbas in 2014. Following the Russian invasion, Ukraine increased its military budget, allowing stored Su-27s to be returned to service.

The {{interlanguage link|Запорізький державний авіаційний ремонтний завод «МіГремонт»|uk|lt=Zaporizhzhya Aircraft Repair Plant "MiGremont"}} in Zaporizhzhia began modernizing the Su-27 to NATO standards in 2012, which involved a minor overhaul of the radar, navigation and communication equipment. Aircraft with this modification are designated Su-27P1M and Su-27UB1M. The Ministry of Defence accepted the project on 5 August 2014,{{cite web |title=Su-27 Flanker Operators List |url=https://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |website=Milavia |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806035757/https://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |url-status=live }} and the first two aircraft were officially handed over to the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade in October 2015.{{cite web |title=Poroshenko conveys two Su-27 planes to Air Force pilots in Zaporizhia, takes off in one of them |url=https://www.unian.info/society/1152603-poroshenko-conveys-two-su-27-planes-to-air-force-pilots-in-zaporizhia-takes-off-in-one-of-them.html |website=UNIAN |date=15 October 2015 |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806035804/https://www.unian.info/society/1152603-poroshenko-conveys-two-su-27-planes-to-air-force-pilots-in-zaporizhia-takes-off-in-one-of-them.html |url-status=live }} Despite the modernization, the avionics and missiles of the Ukrainian Su-27s were still "two generations behind" those of the Russians.{{cite news |title= Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker Pilot's Rare Account Of The Changing Air War|publisher= The War Zone|date= 4 January 2025|url=https://www.twz.com/air/ukrainian-su-27-flanker-pilots-rare-account-of-the-changing-air-war|author= Thomas Newdick}}

In 2014 during the Annexation of Crimea, a Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 was scrambled to intercept Russian fighter jets over Ukraine's airspace over the Black Sea on 3 March.{{cite news |title=Russian fighter jets violated Ukraine's air space – ministry |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-urkaine-crisis-jets-idUKBREA220W520140303 |work=Reuters UK |date=3 March 2014 |access-date=4 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306162210/http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/03/03/uk-urkaine-crisis-jets-idUKBREA220W520140303 |archive-date=6 March 2014 |url-status=dead}} With no aerial opposition and other aircraft available for ground attack duties, Ukrainian Su-27s played only a small role in the war in Donbas until 24 February 2022. Ukrainian Su-27s were recorded performing low fly passes and were reported flying top cover, combat air patrols and eventual escort or intercept of civil aviation traffic over Eastern Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://theaviationist.com/2014/03/03/ukrainian-armed-flanker/ |title=[Photo] Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker heavily armed for Combat Air Patrol |website=The Aviationist |date=3 March 2014 |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150506190844/http://theaviationist.com/2014/03/03/ukrainian-armed-flanker/ |archive-date=6 May 2015 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://theaviationist.com/2014/07/21/su-27s-escorted-mh17/ |title=All flights, including Malaysian B777, were being escorted by Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker jets over Eastern Ukraine |website=The Aviationist |date=21 July 2014 |access-date=24 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419162858/http://theaviationist.com/2014/07/21/su-27s-escorted-mh17/ |archive-date=19 April 2015 |url-status=live}} Videos taken of low-flying Su-27s involved in the operation revealed they were armed with R-27 and R-73 air-to-air missiles.{{cite web |url=http://theaviationist.com/2014/04/15/su-27-reportedly-down/ |title=Ukrainian Su-27 Flanker reportedly shot down during special operation against separatists |website=The Aviationist |date=15 April 2014 |access-date=8 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150330204223/http://theaviationist.com/2014/04/15/su-27-reportedly-down/ |archive-date=30 March 2015 |url-status=live}}

There were two fatal crashes involving Ukrainian Su-27s in 2018. On 16 October, a Ukrainian Su-27UB1M flown by Colonel Ivan Petrenko crashed during the Ukraine-USAF exercise "Clear Sky 2018" based at Starokostiantyniv Air Base. The second seat was occupied by Lieutenant Colonel Seth Nehring, a pilot of the 144th Fighter Wing of the California Air National Guard. Both pilots died in the crash, that happened about 5:00 p.m. local time in the Khmelnytskyi province of western Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/US_serviceman_among_two_killed_in_Ukrainian_fighter_jet_crash_999.html |title=US serviceman among two killed in Ukrainian fighter jet crash |date=October 17, 2018 |website=Space Daily |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181022070903/http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/US_serviceman_among_two_killed_in_Ukrainian_fighter_jet_crash_999.html |archive-date=22 October 2018}}{{cite web |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2018/10/16/us-servicemember-involved-in-ukrainian-su-27-crash-3/ |title=California guardsman killed in Ukrainian Su-27 crash |first=Valerie |last=Insinna |date=2018-10-17 |website=Air Force Times |access-date=19 October 2018 |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312193616/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2018/10/16/us-servicemember-involved-in-ukrainian-su-27-crash-3/ |url-status=live }} On 15 December, an Su-27 crashed on final approach about {{convert|2|km|mi|sigfig=1|abbr=on}} from Ozerne Air Base in Zhytomyr Oblast, after performing a training flight. Major Fomenko Alexander Vasilyevich was killed.{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/219516 |title=Accident Sukhoi Su-27 55 blue, 15 Dec 2018 |website=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=22 February 2020 |archive-date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222054256/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/219516 |url-status=live }}

On 29 May 2020, Ukrainian Su-27s took part in the Bomber Task Force in Europe with B-1B bombers for the first time in the Black Sea region.{{cite web |last=Correll |first=Diana Stancy |date=2020-05-29 |title=B-1Bs complete Bomber Task Force mission with Ukrainian, Turkish aircraft for the first time |url=https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/05/29/b-1bs-complete-bomber-task-force-mission-with-ukrainian-turkish-aircraft-for-the-first-time/ |access-date=2020-09-09 |website=Air Force Times |language=en-US |archive-date=5 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105135156/https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2020/05/29/b-1bs-complete-bomber-task-force-mission-with-ukrainian-turkish-aircraft-for-the-first-time/ |url-status=live }} On 4 September 2020, three B-52 bombers from the 5th Bomb Wing, Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, conducted vital integration training with Ukrainian MiG-29s and Su-27s inside Ukraine’s airspace.{{cite web |title=U.S. Air Force B-52s Integrate with Ukrainian Fighters |url=https://www.eucom.mil/article/40736/us-air-force-b-52s-integrate-with-ukrainian-f |website=United States European Command |date=4 September 2020 |access-date=9 September 2020 |archive-date=23 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200923185805/https://www.eucom.mil/article/40736/us-air-force-b-52s-integrate-with-ukrainian-f |url-status=live }}

The Su-27 was used by both sides in the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=Our First Detailed Look At Russian Su-27 Flanker Jets In The Ukraine War |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/our-first-detailed-look-at-russian-su-27-flanker-jets-in-the-ukraine-war |website=The Drive |date=7 December 2022 |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208201722/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/our-first-detailed-look-at-russian-su-27-flanker-jets-in-the-ukraine-war |url-status=live }} On 24 February 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 and a refueling vehicle were burned out by fire after a Russian attack on Ozerne Air Base in Zhytomyr District during the first day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=https://galychyna.if.ua/2022/02/24/pozhezhniki-zagasili-pozhezhu-na-aerodromi-bilya-zhitomira/ |title=Пожежники загасили пожежу на аеродромі біля Житомира |trans-title=Firefighters extinguished the fire at the airport near Zhytomyr |newspaper=Galychyna |language=uk |date=24 February 2022 |archive-date=24 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224183943/https://galychyna.if.ua/2022/02/24/pozhezhniki-zagasili-pozhezhu-na-aerodromi-bilya-zhitomira/ |url-status=live}} The next day, another Su-27 was shot down in Kyiv by a Russian S-400 system{{Cite news |date=1 March 2022 |title=Legendary Ukrainian display pilot known as Grey Wolf dies in combat |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2022/03/01/legendary-ukrainian-display-pilot-known-as-grey-wolf-dies-in-combat.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=The Week |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305093829/https://www.theweek.in/news/world/2022/03/01/legendary-ukrainian-display-pilot-known-as-grey-wolf-dies-in-combat.html |url-status=live }} and was recorded by residents on their cell phones and published on Twitter;{{cite web |title=Video shows explosion after fighter jet shot down, official says |website=CNN |date=25 February 2022 |url=https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2022/02/25/explosion-kyiv-skies-chance-vpx.cnn |access-date=2022-02-25 |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226101826/https://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2022/02/25/explosion-kyiv-skies-chance-vpx.cnn |url-status=live }} its pilot, Colonel Oleksandr Oksanchenko, was killed.{{Cite web |url=https://theaviationgeekclub.com/colonel-oleksandr-grey-wolf-oksanchenko-the-ukrainian-air-force-su-27-flanker-display-pilot-between-2013-2018-killed-in-an-air-battle-on-friday-night/ |title=Colonel Oleksandr "Grey Wolf" Oksanchenko, the Ukrainian Air Force Su-27 Flanker display pilot between 2013-2018, Killed in an Air Battle on Friday Night |first=Dario |last=Leone |date=1 March 2022 |website=The Aviation Geek Club |access-date=1 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306024853/https://theaviationgeekclub.com/colonel-oleksandr-grey-wolf-oksanchenko-the-ukrainian-air-force-su-27-flanker-display-pilot-between-2013-2018-killed-in-an-air-battle-on-friday-night/ |url-status=live }} A third Su-27 was reported lost by Ukrainian officials over Kropyvnytskyi, in central Ukraine; its pilot was killed.{{cite web |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44544/ukrainian-mayor-meets-with-russians-about-occupation-plan-after-key-southern-city-falls |title=Russian Amphibious Assault Ship Armada Seen Off Crimea As Fears Of Odessa Beach Landing Grow |first=Joseph |last=Trevithick |date=2 March 2022 |work=The Drive |access-date=7 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304221247/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/44544/ukrainian-mayor-meets-with-russians-about-occupation-plan-after-key-southern-city-falls |url-status=live }}

On 7 May 2022, a pair of Ukrainian Su-27s conducted a high-speed, low-level bombing run on Russian-occupied Snake Island; the attack was captured on film by a Bayraktar TB2 drone.{{cite web |title= Ukraine Strikes Back: Su-27s Bomb Occupied Snake Island In Daring Raid |url= https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-strikes-back-su-27s-bomb-occupied-snake-island-in-daring-raid |publisher= The Drive |author= Stetson Payne |date= 7 May 2022 |accessdate= 8 May 2022 |archive-date= 12 May 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220512023839/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-strikes-back-su-27s-bomb-occupied-snake-island-in-daring-raid |url-status= live }}

On 7 June 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27, bort number 38 blue, was shot down while flying at low altitude near Orikhiv in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The aircraft was reportedly destroyed either by an enemy air-to-air missile or due to friendly fire.{{cite web |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/31218-possible-air-to-air-shotdown-captured-on-camera-in-ukraine |title=Possible air-to-air shootdown captured on camera in Ukraine |website=aerotime.aero |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606115258/https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/31218-possible-air-to-air-shotdown-captured-on-camera-in-ukraine |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/279043 |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 279043 |website=Aviation Safety Network |date=6 June 2022 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-date=6 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606182901/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/279043 |url-status=live }}

On 21 August 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 was reported lost in combat. The pilot died.{{cite web |url=https://zhzh.com.ua/armiya/tiazhka-vtrata-pid-chas-vikonannia-zavdannia-rozbivsia-zhitomirskij-lotchik.html |title=Тяжка втрата: під час виконання завдання розбився житомирський льотчик |date=24 August 2022 |language=uk |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=4 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220904154657/https://zhzh.com.ua/armiya/tiazhka-vtrata-pid-chas-vikonannia-zavdannia-rozbivsia-zhitomirskij-lotchik.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/282655 |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 282655 |website=aviation-safety.net |date=21 August 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922045733/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/282655 |url-status=live }}

In September 2022, a Ukrainian Su-27 was spotted with American-made AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missiles.{{Cite web |url=https://www.twz.com/ukraines-su-27s-appear-to-be-wielding-anti-radiation-missiles-now-too |title=Ukraine's Su-27s Appear To Be Wielding Anti-Radiation Missiles Now Too |date=2022-09-09 |website=The War Zone |last=Newdick |first=Thomas}}

On 13 October 2022, one Ukrainian Su-27 from the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade was lost during a combat mission in Poltava Oblast, the pilot died.{{cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/296372 |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 296372 |website=aviation-safety.net |date=11 October 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=15 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221015033826/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/296372 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://suspilne.media/amp/295458-u-cernigovi-proveli-v-ostannu-put-sturmana-aviacii-polkovnika-olega-supika/ |title=У Чернігові провели в останню путь штурмана авіації полковника Олега Шупіка |date=14 October 2022 |language=uk |work=Suspilne |access-date=18 October 2022 |archive-date=16 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016185804/https://suspilne.media/amp/295458-u-cernigovi-proveli-v-ostannu-put-sturmana-aviacii-polkovnika-olega-supika/ |url-status=live }}

On 10 March 2023, a Russian Su-27 was damaged in a partisan attack on Uglovoye airfield in Primorsky Krai, Russia. The video of a burning airplane was posted by the Freedom of Russia Legion.{{clarify |date=April 2023}}{{cite web |date=10 March 2023 |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 309095 |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/309095 |work=Aviation Safety Network |access-date=18 March 2023 |archive-date=11 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311094321/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/309095 |url-status=live }}

On 14 March 2023, a Russian Su-27 intercepted an American MQ-9 Reaper drone and performed several passes, dumping fuel onto it before colliding with it, causing the drone to crash into the Black Sea.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/usaf-releases-footage-of-russian-su-27-colliding-with-mq-9-reaper-drone |title=Video captures moment Russian fighter rammed USAF MQ-9 drone |website=AeroTime |date=16 March 2023 |accessdate=22 May 2023 |archive-date=28 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230428010158/https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/usaf-releases-footage-of-russian-su-27-colliding-with-mq-9-reaper-drone |url-status=live }}

In August 2023, it was revealed that Ukrainian Su-27s had started carrying JDAM-ER guided bombs.{{cite news |last=Newdick |first=Thomas |date=24 August 2023 |title=Ukraine's Su-27s Are Launching JDAM-ER Winged Bombs Too |url=https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraines-su-27s-are-launching-jdam-er-winged-bombs-too |work=The Drive |access-date=24 August 2023 |archive-date=24 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824212615/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraines-su-27s-are-launching-jdam-er-winged-bombs-too |url-status=live }}

On 17 May 2024, a Ukrainian Su-27 was shot down in the vicinity of Metalivka, Chuhuiv Raion, during the Kharkiv offensive.{{cite web |url=https://asn.flightsafety.org/wikibase/388070 |title=ASN Wikibase Occurrence # 388070 |website=Aviation Safety Network |date=17 May 2024 |access-date=14 January 2025 }} The pilot, Lt Col Denys Vasyliuk, was killed.{{Cite web|date=4 August 2024|title=Today We Honor the Strength and Skill of Our People, Thanks to Whom the Skies of Ukraine Remain Ukrainian – the President Congratulated the Warriors of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine|url=https://www.president.gov.ua/en/news/sogodni-mi-vshanovuyemo-silu-ta-majsternist-nashih-lyudej-za-92501|website=President of Ukraine|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=18 May 2024|title=Decorated Ukrainian pilot killed in action|url=https://kyivindependent.com/decorated-ukrainian-pilot-killed-in-action/|website=kyivindependent.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=22 May 2024|title=Wednesday, May 22. Russia's War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/katyasoldak/2024/05/22/wednesday-may-22-russias-war-on-ukraine-news-and-information-from-ukraine/|website=Forbes|language=en}} The aircraft was an upgraded Su-27UP2M, which was still undergoing tests prior to the Russian invasion.{{cite news|url= https://mil.in.ua/en/news/ukrainian-air-force-ordered-overhaul-of-two-su-27ub-fighter-jets-totaling-uah-181-million/|publisher= Militarnyi|title= Ukrainian Air Force ordered overhaul of two Su-27UB fighter jets totaling UAH 181 million|date= 26 November 2021}}

As of 04 March 2025, Ukraine has lost 16 Su-27 and Russia lost 2 Su-27.{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=List Of Aircraft Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Oryx}}

On 28 April 2025, an Ukrainian Su-27 was lost in an accident "while repelling a drone attack"; the pilot ejected safely. A commission has been established to investigate the cause of the incident.{{cite web |date=2025-04-28 |title= Ukrainian Air Force loses Su-27 in drone attack, pilot ejects safely |url= https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/ukrainian-air-force-loses-su-27-in-drone-1745835850.html |access-date=2025-04-28 |work=RBC News Ukraine |author1= OLEKSANDRA BASHCHENKO}}

File:Т-10-1 VVS museum.jpg

File:Su-27 Red 36.jpg

File:Su27K (Su33) DD-SD-99-06153.jpg]]

;T-10 ("Flanker-A"):{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/flanker-the-russian-jet-spawned-many-new-versions-lots-dread-25793 |title=Flanker: The Russian Jet That Spawned Many New Versions |date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=29 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529134257/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/flanker-the-russian-jet-spawned-many-new-versions-lots-dread-25793 |url-status=live }} Initial prototype configuration.

;T-10S ("Flanker-A"): Improved prototype configuration, more similar to production spec.

;P-42: Special version built to beat climb time records. The aircraft had all armament, radar and paint removed, which reduced weight to {{convert|14100|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. It also had improved engines. Similar to the US F-15 Streak Eagle project. Between 1986 and 1988, it established and took several climb records from the Strike Eagle. Several of these records (such as time to climb to 3000 m, 6000 m, 9000 m, and 12000 m) still stands current as of 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://www.fai.org/records?f%5B0%5D=field_record_sport:2020&f%5B1%5D=field_group:171&f%5B2%5D=field_status:146&f%5B3%5D=field_subclass:329&f%5B4%5D=field_type_of_record:180&order=field_performance&sort=desc |title=Records |website=World Air Sports Federation |access-date=2019-05-18 |archive-date=21 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201021081058/https://www.fai.org/records?f%5B0%5D=field_record_sport:2020&f%5B1%5D=field_group:171&f%5B2%5D=field_status:146&f%5B3%5D=field_subclass:329&f%5B4%5D=field_type_of_record:180&order=field_performance&sort=desc |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=http://su-27flanker.com/2015/04/22/p-42-streak-flanker-prototype-t-10-record-breaker/ |title=P-42 Streak Flanker prototype (T-10) – record breaker |date=2015-04-22 |website=Su-27 Flanker |language=en-US |access-date=2019-05-18 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190302212252/http://su-27flanker.com/2015/04/22/p-42-streak-flanker-prototype-t-10-record-breaker/ |archive-date=2019-03-02}}

;Su-27 ("Flanker-A"): Pre-production series built in small numbers with AL-31 engine.

;Su-27S (Su-27 / "Flanker-B"):{{cite web |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Flanker-Variants.html |title=PLA-AF and PLA-N Flanker Variants |date=January 27, 2014 |pages=1 |last1=Kopp |first1=Carlo |access-date=7 March 2015 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122009/http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-PLA-Flanker-Variants.html |url-status=live }} Initial production single-seater with improved AL-31F engine. The "T-10P".

;Su-27P (Su-27 / "Flanker-B"): Standard version but without air-to-ground weapons control system and wiring and assigned to Soviet Air Defence Forces units. Often designated Su-27 without -P.{{cite web |url=http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_variants.htm |title=Su-27 Flanker Variants Overview |website=Milavia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928141050/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_variants.htm |archive-date=28 September 2011}}

;Su-27UB ("Flanker-C"): Initial production two-seat operational conversion trainer.

;Su-27K (Su-33 / "Flanker-D"): Carrier-based single-seater with folding wings, high-lift devices, and arresting gear, built in small numbers. They followed the "T-10K" prototypes and demonstrators.

;Su-27KUB (Su-33UB): Two-seat training-and-combat version based on the Su-27K and Su-27KU, with a side-by-side seating same as Su-34. One prototype built.

;Su-27KM

A projected carrier–based fighter from the base Su-27 fighter that featured reverse-swept wings that was later implicated into the similar Su-47.{{cite web | url=https://weaponews.com/weapons/65357653-the-project-su-27km-reverse-sweep-for-carrier.html | title=The project su-27KM. Reverse sweep for carrier }}

;Su-27M (Su-35/Su-37 / "Flanker-E/F"):{{cite web |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-35/ |title=Su-35 Flanker-E Multirole Fighter |date=April 9, 2021 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=23 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220723075454/https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su-35/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/flanker-the-russian-jet-spawned-many-new-versions-lots-dread-25793?page=0%2C1 |title=Su-35S Flanker E |work=The National Interest |date=May 14, 2018 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=28 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628092008/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/flanker-the-russian-jet-spawned-many-new-versions-lots-dread-25793?page=0%2C1 |url-status=live |last1=Roblin |first1=Sebastien }} Improved demonstrators for an advanced single-seat multi-role Su-27S derivative. These also included a two-seat "Su-35UB" demonstrator.

;Su-27PU (Su-30 / "Flanker-C"): Two-seat version of the Su-27P interceptor, designed to support other single-seat Su-27P, MiG-31 and other interceptor aircraft in PVO service, with tactical data. The model was later renamed to Su-30, and modified into a multi-role fighter mainly for export market, moving away from the original purpose of the aircraft.

;Su-32 (Su-27IB): Two-seat dedicated long-range strike variant with side-by-side seating in "platypus" nose. Prototype of Su-32FN and Su-34.

File:Su-27UBK number 8521 Jan-2014.jpg Su-27UBK with a drogue parachute ]]

;Su-27PD ("Flanker-B"): Single-seat demonstrator with improvements such as inflight refuelling probe.

;Su-30M/MK ("Flanker-H"): Next-generation multi-role two–seat fighter. A few Su-30Ms were built for Russian evaluation in the mid-1990s, though little came of the effort. The Su-30MK export variant was embodied as a series of two demonstrators of different levels of capability. Versions include Su-30MKA for Algeria, Su-30MKI for India, Su-30MKK for the People's Republic of China, and Su-30MKM for Malaysia.{{cite web |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-has-big-plans-sukhoi-su-30sm-flanker-h-fighter-31917 |title=Russia Has Big Plans for the Sukhoi Su-30SM Flanker-H Fighter |date=September 24, 2018 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=9 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809110601/https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/russia-has-big-plans-sukhoi-su-30sm-flanker-h-fighter-31917 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su_30mk/ |title=Su-30M Flanker-H Air-Superiority Fighter |date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=2 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180102031005/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su_30mk/ |url-status=live }}

;Su-27SK ("Flanker-B"): Export version of the Su-27S, with a reinforced landing gear allowing for a 33 tonnes maximum takeoff weight, and a N001M radar with additional air-to-ground modes. Exported to China in 1992-1996 and developed into the Shenyang J-11.{{cite web |title=Is China's J-11 Fighter Copied From Russia's Su-27 'Flanker'? |url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/chinas-j-11-fighter-copied-russias-su-27-flanker-182096 |website=The National Interest |date=6 April 2021 |access-date=10 July 2024 |ref=The National Interest}} It was also sold to Indonesia in 2003. Indonesian Su-27SKs are equipped with an inflight refuelling probe.

;Su-27KI / Su-30KI: Single-seat demonstrator built in anticipation of an Indonesian order in 1997, based on a Su-27SK. It included an inflight refuelling probe, and a N001M radar with additional functions allowing for the use of the R-77 missile. That order never came however, due to an embargo caused by the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Later converted to Su-27SKM in 2002.{{cite web |url=http://sukhoi.mariwoj.pl/su-30-ru-30ki.htm |title=Sukhoi Su-30 story in colours. Sukhoi Su-30 fighter worldwide camouflage and painting schemes. Prototypes, experimental planes, variants, serial and licensed production, deliveries, units, numbers. Russia, India, China, Malaysia, Venezuela, Belarus, Ukraine, Algeria, Vietnam, Eritrea, Angola, Uganda |access-date=13 January 2023 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001173725/http://sukhoi.mariwoj.pl/su-30-ru-30ki.htm |url-status=live }}

;Shenyang J-11: Chinese derivative of the Su-27SK.

;Su-27UBK ("Flanker-C"): Export Su-27UB two-seater.

;Su-27SKM: Single-seat multi-role fighter for export. It is a derivative of the Su-27SK but includes upgrades such as advanced cockpit, more sophisticated self-defense electronic countermeasures (ECM) and an inflight refuelling system.{{cite web |url=http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/products/military/su27SKM.wbp |title=The SU-27SKM Single-Seat Multirole Fighter |date=2006 |website=KnAAPO |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080313094329/http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/products/military/su27SKM.wbp |archive-date=13 March 2008}}

;Su-27UBM: Comparable upgraded Su-27UB two-seater.

;Su-27SM ("Flanker-E"):{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} Mid-life upgrade for the Russian Su-27 fleet. It includes new multi-function displays replacing analog flight instruments, improvements to the navigation system, a new fire-control system with slightly improved radar and electro-optical sighting system, and a more advanced mission computer. This allows for use of the radar in synthetic-aperture terrain mapping mode, as well as detection of maritime targets. Contrary to the basic Su-27 variants, the Su-27SM can use guided air-to-ground ordnance, including Kh-29 and Kh-31 missiles, and laser-guided bombs, as well as the R-77 air-to-air missile. The SPO-15 Beryoza is replaced by the Pastel radar warning receiver, and the Sorbtsiya wingtip jamming pods are replaced by the more modern Khibiny. 24 Su-27SMs also received slightly uprated engines.

;Su-27SM2 ("Flanker-J"): 4+ gen block upgrade for Russian Su-27, featuring some technology of the Su-35BM; it includes Irbis-E radar, and uprated engines and avionics.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

;Su-27SM3 ("Flanker-J Mod"):{{cite web |url=https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/musing/aircraft-nomenclature-part-1-russia-and-china/ |title=Aircraft Nomenclature (part 1): Russia and China |date=November 5, 2020 |access-date=5 August 2022 |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024183523/https://www.fighterpilotpodcast.com/musing/aircraft-nomenclature-part-1-russia-and-china/ |url-status=dead }} Increased maximum takeoff weight (+3 tonnes), AL-31F-M1 engines.{{cite web |url=http://www.ruaviation.com/news/2011/12/23/699/ |title=Sukhoi Company has performed the state contract on delivery of new multi-role Su-27SM3 fighters to the Russian air forces |date=December 23, 2011 |website=Russian Aviation |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141123084548/http://www.ruaviation.com/news/2011/12/23/699 |archive-date=23 November 2014 |url-status=live}}

;Su-27UB1M: Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27UB.{{cite web |last1=Aleksander |first1=Vladic |title=SU-27 FLANKER FAMILY |url=https://su27flankerfamily.wordpress.com/2019/11/08/su-27-ub-ukraina-air-force/ |website=su27flankerfamily.wordpress.com |date=8 November 2019 |publisher=su27 flanker family |access-date=11 July 2024 |ref=su27 flanker family}}

;Su-27S1M: Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27S.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

;Su-27P1M: Ukrainian modernized version of the Su-27P.{{citation needed|date=August 2023}}

;Su-35BM/Su-35S ("Flanker-M"): Also named the "Last Flanker", it is the latest development from the Sukhoi Flanker family. It features improved thrust vectoring AL-41F1S engines, new avionics, N035 Irbis-E radar and reduced radar cross-section.

File:All Sukhoi Su-27 operators.png

;{{ANG}}

: People's Air and Air Defence Force of Angola – Seven Su-27s in service as of January 2013."World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2013 Aerospace: Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2013. Three were bought from Belarus in 1998. Received a total of eight.{{cite web |url= http://bmpd.livejournal.com/407154.html |title=Су-27 сняты с вооружения в Белоруссии |trans-title=Su-27s disarmed in Belarus |language=ru |date=15 December 2012 |website=BMPD |access-date=16 December 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121219154555/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/407154.html |archive-date=19 December 2012}} One was reportedly shot down on 19 November 2000 by a 9K34 Strela-3 MANPADS during the Angolan Civil War.{{cite web |url= http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |title= Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker Operators |first=Niels |last=Hillebrand |website= Milavia |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080927063808/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |archive-date=27 September 2008 |url-status=live}}

;{{CHN}}

: People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) – 78 Su-27 delivered between 1990 and 2010. 32 Su-27UBK are in service as of 2022.International Institute for Strategic Studies: The Military Balance 2022, p.261

;{{ERI}}

:Eritrean Air Force{{cite web |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 |date=4 December 2020 |title=World Air Forces 2021 |website=FlightGlobal |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210210005436/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=75345 |archive-date=10 February 2021 |access-date= 27 February 2021 |url-status=live}} ordered 2 during the Ethiopian-Eritrean War.{{citation needed|date=June 2022}}

;{{ETH}}

:Ethiopian Air Force – up to 17 Su-27S, Su-27P, Su-27UB sourced second–hand from Russia in two different batches: 9 starting from 1998 and 8 starting from 2002.{{Cite web |url= https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |title= Trade Registers |website= SIPRI |access-date= 5 November 2021 |archive-date= 14 April 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status= live }} Some crashed over the years.{{Cite web |url= https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2019/10/ethiopian-air-force-sukhoi-su-27-fighter-jet-crash-no-survivors |title=Ethiopian Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jet crash, no survivors |first=Patrick |last=Kenyette |date=13 October 2019 |website=African Military |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20191207021909/https://www.africanmilitaryblog.com/2019/10/ethiopian-air-force-sukhoi-su-27-fighter-jet-crash-no-survivors |archive-date=2019-12-07}}

;{{IDN}}

: Indonesian Air Force – 5 Su-27SKM in service. Two Su-27SK and three Su-27SKM fighters were delivered in 2003 and 2010 respectively.{{cite web |first=Arief |last=Nurrachman |url=https://kompaspedia.kompas.id/baca/infografik/kronologi/perjalanan-pesawat-tempur-sukhoi-indonesia |title=Pesawat Tempur Sukhoi Milik Indonesia |website=Kompas.id |date=10 August 2022 |access-date=31 December 2024 |language=ID}} In 2017 Indonesia upgraded its two Su-27SK to SKM standard.{{cite web |date=8 August 2017 |title=Dua Su-27SK(M) Kembali Perkuat Indonesia |url=https://jakartagreater.com/135960/dua-su-27skm-kembali-perkuat-indonesia |access-date=29 May 2024 |work=jakartagreater.com |language=id |archive-date=10 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110044724/https://jakartagreater.com/135960/dua-su-27skm-kembali-perkuat-indonesia/ |url-status=usurped }}{{cite web |title= [Dossier] Le Flanker en Indonésie |url= https://redsamovar.com/2018/03/17/dossier-le-flanker-en-indonesie/ |website= Red Samovar |date= 17 March 2018 |access-date= 28 August 2022 |archive-date= 28 August 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220828095001/https://redsamovar.com/2018/03/17/dossier-le-flanker-en-indonesie/ |url-status= live }}

;{{KAZ}}

: Kazakh Air Defense Forces – 20 Su-27/Su-27BM2, 3 Su-27UB/UBM2{{citation needed|date=February 2018}}

File:A Kazakh Sukhoi Su-27P(modified).jpg

;{{RUS}}

: Russian Aerospace Forces – 101 Su-27s in service as of 2021.{{Citation | publisher =International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) |date=2021 |title=The Military Balance}}{{Page needed |date=July 2023}} 359 Su-27 aircraft, including 225 Su-27s, 70 Su-27SMs, 12 Su-27SM3s, and 52 Su-27UBs were in service as of January 2014."World Military Aircraft Inventory". 2014 Aerospace: Aviation Week and Space Technology, January 2014 Less than 422 Su-27s are in service as of 2025 according to World Air Forces.{{cite news |last= Hoyle |first= Craig |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507|title= World Air Forces 2025|publisher= FlightGlobal |year=2025 |doi= |access-date= 3 February 2025}} A modernization program began in 2004.{{cite web |url= http://www.samara-airlines.ru/su-27-predlagayut-spisat/ |title=Су-27 предлагают списать |trans-title=Su-27 is proposed to be decommissioned |language=ru |date=18 June 2011 |website=Samara Airlines |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150629004437/http://www.samara-airlines.ru/su-27-predlagayut-spisat/ |archive-date=29 June 2015 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url= http://lenta.ru/news/2011/11/03/su27sm/ |title=ВВС России получат восемь новых истребителей Су-27СМ |trans-title=Russian Air Force to receive eight new Su-27SM fighters |language=ru |date= November 3, 2011 |website=Lenta.ru |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141019221137/http://lenta.ru/news/2011/11/03/su27sm/ |archive-date=19 October 2014 |url-status=live}}Air Forces Monthly, December 2010. Half of the Su-27 fleet had reportedly been modernized in 2012.{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2012/0313/100511974/detail.shtml |title=Авиапарк Су-27 ВВС РФ модернизирован более чем на 50%, до конца года ожидается поступление первых шести серийных Су-35 |trans-title=The Su-27 fleet of the Russian Air Force has been modernized by more than 50%, the first six serial Su-35s are expected to arrive by the end of the year |language=ru |date=13 March 2012 |website=Center for Analysis of the World Arms Trade |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150602132737/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2012/0313/100511974/detail.shtml |archive-date=2 June 2015 |url-status=live}} The Russian Aerospace Forces were receiving aircraft modernized to the SM3 standard as of 2018.{{cite web |url= http://vpk-news.ru/news/22219 |title=Летчики ЮВО получат более 40 единиц авиатехники |trans-title=Pilots of the Southern Military District will receive more than 40 aircraft |language=ru |date= October 10, 2014 |website=vpk-news.ru |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105041222/http://vpk-news.ru/news/22219 |archive-date=5 November 2014 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1030/143549399/detail.shtml |title=Истребительная авиация ЮВО пополнилась модернизированными самолетами Су-27СМ3 |trans-title= Fighter aviation of the Southern Military District replenished with modernized Su-27SM3 aircraft |language=ru |date=October 30, 2018 |website=Center for Analysis of the World Arms Trade |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181120055203/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1030/143549399/detail.shtml |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1119/101549683/detail.shtml |title=Истребительная авиация ЮВО пополнилась звеном новых модернизированных самолетов Су-27СМ3 |trans-title=Fighter aviation of the Southern Military District was replenished with a flight of new modernized Su-27SM3 aircraft |language=ru |date=19 November 2018 |website=Center for Analysis of the World Arms Trade |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181120015214/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1119/101549683/detail.shtml |archive-date=20 November 2018 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url= http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1229/145550370/detail.shtml |title=Истребительная авиация ЮВО пополнилась звеном новых модернизированных самолетов Су-27СМ3 поколения 4++ |trans-title= Fighter aviation of the Southern Military District has been replenished with a flight of new modernized Su-27SM3 aircraft of the 4++ generation |language=ru |date=29 December 2018 |website= Center for Analysis of the World Arms Trade |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194303/http://www.armstrade.org/includes/periodics/news/2018/1229/145550370/detail.shtml |archive-date=31 December 2018 |url-status=live}}

:* 3rd Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, 4th Air and Air Defence Forces Army

:* 159th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, 6th Air and Air Defence Forces Army

As of 4 March 2025, Russia lost 2 Su-27 and one damaged on ground during Russia - Ukraine war.{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=List Of Aircraft Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Oryx}}

: Russian Navy – 53 Su-27s in use as of January 2014

;{{UKR}}

: Ukrainian Air Force – 70 Su-27s in inventory.{{cite web |url=http://mil.in.ua/vynyschuvachi/su-27 |title=Су-27 |website= Ukrainian military portal |language=uk |date=13 October 2009 |access-date=27 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120118095037/http://mil.in.ua/vynyschuvachi/su-27 |archive-date= 18 January 2012}} It had 34 Su-27s in service as of March 2019.{{cite news |last=Ponomarenko |first=Illia |author-link=Illia Ponomarenko |date=15 March 2019 |title=Ukraine's Air Force rebuilds amidst war |url=https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraines-air-force-rebuilds-amid-war.html |work=Kyiv Post |location=Kyiv, Ukraine |access-date=3 September 2019 |archive-date=8 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108020124/https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/ukraines-air-force-rebuilds-amid-war.html |url-status=live }}

: As of 4 March 2025, Ukraine lost 16 Su-27 during Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Oryx |title=List Of Aircraft Losses During The Russian Invasion Of Ukraine |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2022/03/list-of-aircraft-losses-during-2022.html |access-date=2025-03-04 |website=Oryx}}

;{{USA}}

: United States Air Force – Two Su-27Ps were delivered to the U.S. in 1995 from Belarus.{{cite web |url= http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |title=Su-27 Flanker Operators List |first=Niels |last=Hillebrand |date=11 October 2008 |website=Milavia |access-date=12 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080927063808/http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/su-27/su-27_operators.htm |archive-date=27 September 2008 |url-status=live}}{{sfnp|Gordon|Davison|2006|p=101}} Two Su-27UBs were bought from Ukraine in 2009 by a private company, Pride Aircraft for sale to civilians.{{cite web |first=Joseph |last=Trevithick |url=https://www.twz.com/su-27-that-mysteriously-vanished-after-private-sale-resurfaces |title=Su-27 That Mysteriously Vanished After Private Sale Resurfaces |website=TWZ.com |date=27 September 2023 |access-date=31 December 2024}}{{cite web |first=Moreno |last=Aguiari |url=https://vintageaviationnews.com/aviation-museum-news/sukhoi-su-27-arrives-at-the-national-museum-of-the-united-states-air-force.html |title=Sukhoi Su-27 Arrives at the National Museum of The United States Air Force |website=vintageaviationnews.com |date=2 October 2023 |access-date=31 December 2024}} The aircraft was bought by USAF in 2011 and one of them was retired in 2023.{{cite web |first=David |last=Cenciotti |url=https://theaviationist.com/2024/04/02/air-force-confirms-su-27-flanker-on-display-at-dayton-museum-was-bought-by-usaf-in-2011/ |title=Air Force Confirms Su-27 Flanker On Display At Dayton Museum Was Bought By USAF In 2011 |website=theaviationist.com |date=2 April 2024 |access-date=31 December 2024 }} They have been spotted operating over Area 51 for evaluation and training purposes.{{cite web |url= https://theaviationist.com/2017/01/06/these-crazy-photos-show-a-russian-su-27-flanker-dogfighting-with-a-u-s-air-force-f-16-inside-area-51/ |title=These crazy photos show a Russian Su-27 Flanker dogfighting with a U.S. Air Force F-16 inside Area 51 |first=David |last=Cenciotti |date=6 January 2017 |website=The Aviationist |access-date=2 February 2019 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190207050008/https://theaviationist.com/2017/01/06/these-crazy-photos-show-a-russian-su-27-flanker-dogfighting-with-a-u-s-air-force-f-16-inside-area-51/ |archive-date=7 February 2019 |url-status=live}}

;{{UZB}}

: Uzbekistan Air and Air Defence Forces – 34 Su-27s in use as of January 2013

;{{VIE}}

: Vietnam People's Air Force – 9 Su-27SKs and 3 Su-27UBKs in use as of January 2013

;{{PRK}}

: Korean People's Army Air Force − According to Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, North Korea is set to receive an unknown number of Su-27 and MiG-29 aircraft from Russia in exchange for Pyongyang sending troops for the war in Ukraine. The War Zone states that Russia is unlikely to transfer them in the short term at least.{{cite news |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=Russia Giving North Korea MiG-29s And Su-27s Isn't That Straightforward |url=https://www.twz.com/air/russia-giving-north-korea-mig-29s-and-su-27s-isnt-that-straightforward |access-date=25 December 2024 |work=The War Zone |date=10 December 2024}}

;{{flagcountry|BLR|1995}}

: Belarusian Air Force − Inherited 23-28 Su-27s from the former 61st Fighter Aviation Regiment of the Soviet Union. They had 22 in service as of December 2010."Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 14–20 December 2010. Nine Su-27s were sold to Angola in 1998. Belarus had operated 17 Su-27P and 4 Su-27UBM1 aircraft before their retirement in December 2012.{{cite web |url= http://bmpd.livejournal.com/407154.html |title=Су-27 сняты с вооружения в Белоруссии |trans-title=Su-27s disarmed in Belarus |language=ru |date=December 15, 2012 |website=BPMD |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121219154555/http://bmpd.livejournal.com/407154.html |archive-date=19 December 2012}}{{cite web |url= http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/january-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/993-belarus-to-modernize-its-fleet-of-sukhoi-su-27-jet-fighter.html |title=Belarus to modernize its fleet of Sukhoi Su-27 jet fighter |date=31 January 2014 |website=Air Recognition |access-date=1 February 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140201160930/http://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/archive-world-worldwide-news-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-military-defence-industry/2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation/january-2014-global-news-worldwide-world-international-air-force-aviation-aerospace-air-defence-/993-belarus-to-modernize-its-fleet-of-sukhoi-su-27-jet-fighter.html |archive-date=1 February 2014 |url-status= live}}

;{{USSR}}

: Soviet Air Force{{sfn|Defense Intelligence Agency|1988|page=80}} − Passed to different successor nations in 1991.

: Soviet Air Defence Forces − Over 100 Su-27s in 1988, according to US intelligence.{{sfn|Defense Intelligence Agency|1988|page=81}}

According to the U.S. FAA there are two privately owned Su-27s in the U.S., as of 2015.{{cite web |url= http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/AcftRef_Inquiry.aspx | work= FAA Registry | title= Aircraft - Make / Model Inquiry | publisher= Federal Aviation Administration |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150402052315/http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/acftref_inquiry.aspx |archive-date=2 April 2015 |url-status=live}} Two Su-27UB from the Ukrainian Air Force were demilitarised and sold to Pride Aircraft of Rockford, Illinois. Pride Aircraft modified some of the aircraft to their own desires by remarking all cockpit controls in English and replacing much of the Russian avionics suite with Garmin, Bendix/King, and Collins avionics. The aircraft were both sold to private owners for approximately $5 million each.{{cite web |url= http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm |title=Sukhoi SU-27 Flankers |website=Pride Aircraft |access-date=25 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124012544/http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm |archive-date=24 November 2009 |url-status=dead}} The United States Air Force bought the aircraft in 2011 and in 2023 one of them was preserved at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

On 30 August 2010, the Financial Times claimed that a Western private training support company ECA Program placed a US$1.5 billion order with Belarusian state arms dealer BelTechExport for 15 unarmed Su-27s (with an option on 18 more) to organize a dissimilar air combat training school in the former NATO airbase in Keflavik, Iceland, with deliveries due by the end of 2012.{{cite news |url= http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/de571c4e-b460-11df-8208-00144feabdc0.html |title=Cold war base to be private 'Top Gun' school |work= Financial Times |first=Andrew |last=Ward |date=30 August 2010 |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145613/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/de571c4e-b460-11df-8208-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2zyb2deUj |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}Air International October 2010, p. 9. A September 2010 media report by RIA Novosti, the state-owned news agency, questioned the existence of the agreement.{{cite web |url= http://en.ria.ru/world/20100901/160423765.html |title=NATO 'no comment' on Russian warplane deal report |date=1 September 2010 |website=RIA Novosti |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140727003245/http://en.ria.ru/world/20100901/160423765.html |archive-date=27 July 2014 |url-status= dead}} No further developments on such a plan have been reported by 2014, while a plan for upgrading and putting the retired Belarusian Air Force Su-27 fleet back to service was reported in February 2014.{{cite web |url= http://english.cntv.cn/20140201/100877.shtml |title=Belarus to upgrade its Su-27 fighters |date=1 February 2014 |website=China Network Television |access-date=4 February 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150304222605/http://english.cntv.cn/20140201/100877.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2015 |url-status= dead}}

File:Russian Knights Tkachenko tribute flight Mishin.jpg paying tribute to Igor Tkachenko, leader of the group who died during practice a week earlier]]

• 9 September 1990: A Soviet Su-27 crashed at the Salgareda airshow in 1990 after pulling a loop at too low an altitude. The Lithuanian pilot, Rimantas Stankevičius, and a spectator were killed.{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wlnnZZsx2k |title=Su-27 crash Salgareda Airshow 1990 |date=23 July 2007 |first=Angelos |last=Tsompanidis |website=YouTube |access-date=28 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170820172926/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wlnnZZsx2k |archive-date=20 August 2017 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=54531 |title=9 September 1990 crash of Su-27 |date=11 January 2011 |website=Aviation Safety Network |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103115507/http://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=54531 |archive-date=3 November 2012}}
• 12 December 1995: Two Su-27s and an Su-27UB of the Russian Knights flight demonstration team crashed into terrain outside of Cam Ranh, Vietnam, killing four team pilots. Six Su-27s and an Ilyushin Il-76 support aircraft were returning from Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition. The aircraft were flying in echelons right and left of the Il-76 on their way to Cam Ranh for refueling. During the landing approach, the Il-76 passed too close to the terrain and the three right-echelon Su-27s crashed. The other aircraft landed safely at Cam Ranh. The cause was controlled flight into terrain; contributing factors were pilot error, mountainous terrain and poor weather.{{cite web |url=http://airbase.ru/crashes/1995/12/kamran/ |last=Sidorov |first=Pavel |title=Катастрофа "Русских Витязей" |trans-title=Catastrophe of "Russian Knights" |language=ru |website=Airbase.ru |access-date=2007-04-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927032647/http://airbase.ru/crashes/1995/12/kamran/ |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=live}}
• 27 July 2002: A Ukrainian Su-27 crashed while performing an aerobatics presentation, killing 77 spectators in what is now considered the deadliest air show disaster in history. Both pilots ejected and suffered only minor injuries.{{cite news |url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/08/07/ukraine.pilots/index.html |title=Pilots blamed for air show crash |date=7 August 2002 |website=CNN |access-date=27 October 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090520093412/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/europe/08/07/ukraine.pilots/index.html |archive-date=20 May 2009 |url-status=dead}}
• 15 September 2005: Russian fighter Su-27 crashed near the city of Kaunas, Lithuania. The pilot ejected and was unhurt. The investigation attributed the incident to pilot error.{{Cite news |date=2005-10-23 |title=Russian fighter crash in Lithuania: investigation concludes |url=https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Russian_fighter_crash_in_Lithuania:_investigation_concludes |newspaper=Wikinews |access-date=8 December 2022 |archive-date=4 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404053823/https://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Russian_fighter_crash_in_Lithuania:_investigation_concludes |url-status=live }}{{unreliable source?|date=May 2024}}
• 16 August 2009: While practicing for the 2009 MAKS Airshow, two Su-27s of the Russian Knights collided in mid-air above Zhukovsky Airfield, south-east of Moscow, killing the Knights' leader, Igor Tkachenko. One of the jets crashed into a house and started a fire. A probe into the crash was launched; according to the Russian Defense Ministry the accident may have been caused by a "flying skill error".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8204072.stm |title=Pilot dies as Russia jets collide |work=BBC News |date=17 August 2009 |access-date=24 May 2010}}
• 30 August 2009: A Belarusian Su-27UBM (Number black 63) crashed while performing at the Radom Air Show.{{Cite web |url=https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=68093 |title=Accident Sukhoi Su-27UB 63 Black, 30 August 2009 |first=Harro |last=Ranter |website=Aviation Safety Network |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913044033/https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/wiki.php?id=68093 |archive-date=September 13, 2017}}
• 14 March 2023: A Russian Su-27 flew near a USAF MQ-9 UAV operating in international airspace over the Black Sea, dumped fuel on it (presumably to try to set it alight), and finally collided with the propeller which caused the USAF operator to ditch the UAV into the sea.[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/14/russian-jet-bumps-air-force-drone-over-black-sea-causing-unmanned-aircraft-crash.html Russian Jet Bumps Air Force Drone over Black Sea, Causing Unmanned Aircraft to Crash] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315144044/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2023/03/14/russian-jet-bumps-air-force-drone-over-black-sea-causing-unmanned-aircraft-crash.html |date=15 March 2023 }}, Thomas Novelly and Travis Tritten, Military.com, 2023-04-14

{{Expand section|date=January 2025}}

File:Su-27 Red 27 at Central Armed Forces Museum 09.09.2012.jpg

• Sukhoi T-10-1 prototype on static display at the Central Air Force Museum in Moscow{{cite web |url=https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=123016 |title=Sukhoi T10, s/n 10 VVS, c/n T10-1 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328225115/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=123016 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911004002 – T-10-10 prototype on display at the Aviation Technical Museum in Luhansk, Ukraine{{cite web |first=Wim |last=Sonneveld |url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/675797/10-red |title=AirHistory.net #675797 Sukhoi Su-27 10 red |website=AirHistory.net |date=2 August 2012 |access-date=13 January 2025}}
• 36911005705 – T-10-20 prototype on display at the Technical Museum of Vadim Zadorozhny in Krasnogorsky District, Moscow Oblast{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=154514 |title=Sukhoi T10, s/n 20 blue VVS, c/n 36911005705 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328224902/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=154514 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911016202 – Su-27M on static display at the Central Air Force Museum in Moscow{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=123014 |title=Sukhoi Su-27, s/n 701 Russian AF, c/n 36911016202 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328224836/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=123014 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911027311 – Su-27 on static display at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy in Moscow{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=202579 |title=Sukhoi Su-27, s/n 02 blue Russian AF, c/n 36911027311 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328225201/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=202579 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911028719 – Su-27 on static display at the Central Air Force Museum in Moscow{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=147021 |title=Sukhoi Su-27, s/n 28 Blue VVS, c/n 36911028719 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328225133/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=147021 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911027514 – Su-27 on static display at the Patriot Park in Kubinka{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=133030 |title=Sukhoi Su-27, s/n 03 blue Russian AF, c/n 36911027514 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=13 January 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328224856/https://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=133030 |archive-date=28 March 2024}}
• 36911031003 – Su-27PD on static display at the Central Armed Forces Museum in Moscow{{cite web |url=http://www.cmaf.ru/ekspo/outside |title=Открытая площадка |trans-title=Open Area |language=ru |website=Central Museum of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=10 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200710030931/http://cmaf.ru/ekspo/outside/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=218177 |title=Sukhoi Su-27PD, s/n 27 red Russian AF, c/n 36911031003 |website=Aerial Visuals Airframe Dossier |access-date=6 July 2020 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707050448/http://www.aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=218177 |archive-date=7 July 2020}}
• 36911034205 – Su-27 on static display at the Patriot Park (Vatanparvarlar bogʻi) in Qarshi, Uzbekistan
• 36911034512 – Su-27P on display at the Victory Park in Hlybokaye, Belarus{{cite web |first=Wim |last=Sonneveld |url=https://www.airhistory.net/photo/764693/32-black |title=AirHistory.net #764693 Sukhoi Su-27P 32 black |website=AirHistory.net |date=2019 |access-date=13 January 2025}}
• 96310408027 – Su-27UB on static display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio{{cite web |title=Sukhoi Su-27 |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3566120/sukhoi-su-27ub-flanker-c-trainer/ |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force |access-date=29 November 2023 |archive-date=2 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231102140631/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/3566120/sukhoi-su-27/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=D'Urso |first1=Stefano |title=U.S. Air Force National Museum Acquires Former Ukrainian Su-27UB Flanker |url=http://www.theaviationist.com/2023/09/27/usaf-national-museum-ukrainian-su-27 |website=The Aviationist |access-date=29 November 2023 |date=27 September 2023 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129233457/https://theaviationist.com/2023/09/27/usaf-national-museum-ukrainian-su-27/ |url-status=live}}
• 96310422069 – Su-27UB on static display at the Patriot Park in Kubinka{{cite web |url=https://www.oxfordaviationgroup.co.uk/kubinka-patriot-park-friday-25th-august-2017-john-tomlinson/ |title=Kubinka (Patriot Park) – Friday 25th August 2017 (John Tomlinson) |website=oxfordaviationgroup.co.uk |date=25 August 2017 |access-date=13 January 2025}}

File:Sukhoi Su-27 3-view line drawing.svg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref={{sfnp|Gordon|Davison|2006|pp=91–92, 95–96}} Sukhoi,{{cite web |url=http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su27sk/lth/ |title=Su-27SK: Aircraft Performance |website=Sukhoi |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716144832/http://www.sukhoi.org/eng/planes/military/su27sk/lth/ |archive-date=16 July 2011 }} KnAAPO,{{cite web |url=http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/about/knaapo_aircraft/su27SKM.wbp |title=Sukhoi Su-27SKM single-seat multirole fighter |website=KnAAPO |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131008035519/http://www.knaapo.ru/eng/about/knaapo_aircraft/su27SKM.wbp |archive-date=2013-10-08}} Deagel.com,{{cite web |url=http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Su-27_a000320001.aspx |title=Su-27 |website=Deagel.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630072539/http://www.deagel.com/Combat-Aircraft/Su-27_a000320001.aspx |archive-date=30 June 2017}} Airforce-Technology.com{{cite web |url=http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su27/ |title=Su-27 Flanker Front-Line Fighter Aircraft, Russia |date=16 July 2021 |website=Airforce-Technology.com |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703192044/http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/su27/ |archive-date=3 July 2017}}

|prime units?=met

|crew=1

|length m=21.9

|length note=

|span m=14.7

|span note=

|height m=5.92

|height note=

|wing area sqm=62

|wing area note=

|aspect ratio=

|airfoil=

|empty weight kg=16380

|empty weight note=

|gross weight kg=23430

|gross weight note=

|max takeoff weight kg=33000

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity={{cvt|9400|kg|1}} internal

|more general=

|eng1 number=2

|eng1 name=Saturn AL-31F

|eng1 type=afterburning turbofan engines

|eng1 kw=

|eng1 hp=

|eng1 shp=

|eng1 kn=75.22

|eng1 note=

|power original=

|thrust original=

|eng1 kn-ab=122.6

|max speed kmh=2500

|max speed mph=1553

|max speed note=at altitude

|max speed mach=2.35

• {{cvt|1400|km/h|mph kn}} / M1.13 at sea level

|cruise speed kmh=

|cruise speed note=

|stall speed kmh=

|stall speed note=

|never exceed speed kmh=

|never exceed speed note=

|minimum control speed kmh=

|minimum control speed note=

|range km=3530

|range note=at altitude

• {{cvt|1340|km|mi nmi}} at sea level

|combat range km=

|combat range note=

|ferry range km=

|ferry range note=

|endurance=

|ceiling m=19000

|ceiling note=

|g limits=+9

|roll rate=

|climb rate ms=300

|climb rate note={{cite web |url=http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/su27.htm |title=Su-27 Flanker, Sukhoi |website=Fighter-planes.com |access-date=1 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711001716/http://www.fighter-planes.com/info/su27.htm |archive-date=11 July 2011 |url-status=live}}

|time to altitude=

|wing loading kg/m2=377.9

|wing loading note=With 56% fuel

• {{cvt|444.61|kg/m2|lb/sqft|1}}

|fuel consumption kg/km=

|thrust/weight=1.07 with 56% internal fuel; 0.91 with full fuel

|more performance=

|guns=1 × 30 mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 autocannon with 150 rounds

|hardpoints= 10 external pylons

|hardpoint capacity=up to {{convert|4430|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

|hardpoint rockets=

• S-8KOM/BM/OM
• S-13T/OF
• S-25OFM-PU

|hardpoint missiles=

• 6 × R-27R/ER/T/ET/P/EP air-to-air missiles (AAMs)
• 6 × R-73E AAMs
• 6 × R-77 BVRAAMs

|hardpoint bombs=

• FAB-500 general purpose bomb
• FAB-250 general purpose bomb
• KMGU munitions dispenser
• BETAB-500 concrete piercing bomb
• SAB-100 illumination/training bomb
• RBK-250 cluster bomb
• RBK-500 cluster bomb

|avionics=

• N001E radar
• Phazotron Zhuk-MSE radar
• Phazotron Zhuk-MSFE radar
• Irbis-E passive electronically scanned array radar for Su-27SM2/SM3
• OEPS-27 electro-optical targeting system
• SPO-150 Radar Warning Receiver
• OEPS-27 IRST{{Cite web |url=https://www.janes.com/images/assets/018/45018/Sky_searchers.pdf |title=Sky searchers |date=2014 |website=Jane's Defence Weekly |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190508031229/https://www.janes.com/images/assets/018/45018/Sky_searchers.pdf |archive-date=May 8, 2019}}
• Shchel-3UM helmet-mounted display system

}}

{{Main|Aircraft in fiction#Sukhoi Su-27 and derivatives}}

{{Portal|Aviation}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

|related=

• Sukhoi Su-30
• Sukhoi Su-33
• Sukhoi Su-34
• Sukhoi Su-35
• Sukhoi Su-37
• Shenyang J-11
• Shenyang J-15
• Shenyang J-16

|similar aircraft=

• McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle
• Saab JAS 39 Gripen

|lists=

• List of fighter aircraft

}}

;References

{{Reflist}}

;Bibliography

• {{cite report |last1=Defense Intelligence Agency |title=Soviet Military Power |date=1988 |publisher=Department of Defense |location=Washington, DC |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Lynj0dhTq_EC&pg=PA81 |access-date=7 February 2025 |language=en |author1-link=Defense Intelligence Agency }}
• {{cite magazine |title=ECA Program Su-27 'Flankers' Destined for Iceland |date=October 2010 |magazine=Air International |volume=79 |number=4 |page=9 |issn=0306-5634}}
• {{cite book |last=Gordon |first=Yefim |title=Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker: Air Superiority Fighter |year=1999 |publisher=Airlife Publishing |isbn=1-84037-029-7}}
• {{cite book |first1=Yefim |last1=Gordon |first2=Peter |last2=Davison |name-list-style=amp |date=2006 |title=Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker |series=Warbird Tech |volume=42 |location=North Branch, MN |publisher=Speciality Press |isbn=978-1-58007-091-1}}
• {{cite book |first=N. I. |last=Ryabinkin |title=Sovremennye boevye samolyoty |trans-title=Modern Combat Aircraft |language=ru |date=1997 |location=Minsk |publisher=Elida |pages=50–51 |isbn=985-6163-10-2}}
• {{cite magazine |url=http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/01/1990-%20Su-27%20Pilot%20Report%20(1%20of%202).pdf |title=Su-27 Pilot Report (Part 1) |first=David M. |last=North |date=24 September 1990 |magazine=Aviation Week |pages=32–34 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215184606/http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/01/1990-%20Su-27%20Pilot%20Report%20(1%20of%202).pdf |archive-date=2018-12-15}}
• {{cite magazine |url=http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/01/1990-%20Su-27%20Pilot%20Report%20%282%20of%202%29.pdf |title=Su-27 Pilot Report (Part 2) |first=David M. |last=North |date=24 September 1990 |magazine=Aviation Week |pages=35–41 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215122432/http://aviationweek.com/site-files/aviationweek.com/files/uploads/2015/01/1990-%20Su-27%20Pilot%20Report%20(2%20of%202).pdf |archive-date=2018-12-15}}
• {{cite book |last1=Winchester |first1=Jim |title=Jet fighters : inside & out |date=2012 |publisher=Rosen Pub. |location=New York |isbn=978-1-4488-5982-5 |page=128 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3shgcJXesN0C&pg=PA128 |access-date=6 March 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150403012547/https://books.google.com.au/books?id=3shgcJXesN0C&pg=PA128 |archive-date=3 April 2015 |url-status=live}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• Official Sukhoi Su-27SK webpage at {{Official website|https://www.sukhoi.org/products/earlier/251/|Sukhoi}} and {{Official website|http://www.knaapo.ru/about/history/aviamuseum/aviamuseum-2/su27sk/|KnAAPO}}
• Official Sukhoi Su-27UBK webpage at {{Official website|https://www.sukhoi.org/products/earlier/252/|Sukhoi}}
• Official Sukhoi Su-27SKM webpage at {{Official website|http://www.knaapo.ru/about/history/aviamuseum/aviamuseum-2/su27skm/|KnAAPO}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.zacharz.com/lebourget/su27/photos.htm |title=Sukhoi Su-27 "Flanker" / Sukhoi Su-27SKM |first=Michel |last=Zacharz |date=2005 |website=Zacharz.com}}
• {{cite journal |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/APA-Flanker.html |title=Sukhoi Flankers: The Shifting Balance of Regional Air Power |first=Carlo |last=Kopp |date=7 January 2007 |website=Air Power Australia|pages=1 }}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Flankers-Aug03.pdf |title=Asia's Advanced Flankers |first=Carlo |last=Kopp |date=August 2003 |website=Air Power Australia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061212092132/http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-Flankers-Aug03.pdf |archive-date=2006-12-12}}
• {{cite web |url=http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm |title=Su-27UBs in the United States |date=2009 |website=Pride Aircraft |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091124012544/http://www.prideaircraft.com/flanker.htm |archive-date=24 November 2009}}

{{Su-27 family}}

{{Sukhoi aircraft}}

{{USAF/DoD reporting names}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1970s Soviet fighter aircraft

Category:Sukhoi Su-27

Category:Twinjets

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1977

Category:Fourth-generation jet fighters

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Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear