Article Posted on : - Jan 02, 2012

A Sukhoi photo.

MOSCOW (BNS): The Russian Air Force has received 12 new Su-27SM (3) multi-role fighters from Sukhoi last month.

The warplanes were delivered under a contract inked between the Russian Defense Ministry and Sukhoi during the 2009 MAKS airshow in Russia.

The new Su-27SM fighter jet features a strong airframe to enable increased takeoff weight of more than 3 tons and additional suspension points to accommodate weapons.

The fighters are armed with new equipment and weapons complexes and can accomodate long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

The new AL-31F-M1 turbofan engines fitted on the warplanes provide high thrust and extended time between overhauls, according to Sukhoi.

An advanced variant of the Su-27C fighter, the new Su-27SM (3) is capable of conducting combat missions using high-precision "air-to-surface" weapons, including satellite-guided bombs, the aircraft manufacturer said.