Sukhoi Su-27, Ukraine by Gert Hilbink

About "Sukhoi Su-27, Ukraine"

by Gert Hilbink

About the artwork

The Sukhoi Su-27 ( Russian : Сухой Су-27 ; NATO code name : Flanker ) is a twin-engine super maneuverable fighter of the Soviet Union, designed by Sukhoi . It was intended as a direct competitor to the large American fighters of the fourth generation, such as the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and F-15 Eagle, with a range of 3,530 kilometers (1,910 NMI), heavy aircraft ammunition, advanced avionics and high maneuverability. The Su-27 was designed for superiority in air missions, and subsequent variants are capable of almost all air warfare operations. It was designed with the Mikoyan MiG-29 as a complement. The Ukrainian Air Force inherited about 66-70 Su-27 aircraft after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Lack of funds in addition to the high maintenance of the Su-27 led to a shortage of spare parts and insufficient maintenance, leaving about 34 in service in 2019. Years of underfunding meant that the Air Force had not received a new Su-27 since 1991. Between 2007 and 2017, as many as 65 fighter jets were sold abroad, including nine Su-27s. In 2009, amid declining relations with Russia , the Ukrainian Air Force began having problems obtaining spare parts from Sukhoi. Only 19 Su-27s were serviceable at the time of Russia's annexation of Crimea and subsequent war in Donbas in 2014. After the Russian invasion Ukraine increased its military budget , which allowed stored Su-27s to be put back into service.