Asia-Pacific Military Aviation News roundup: 21 Aug 2013

Vietnam has reportedly acquired 12 more Sukhoi Su-30MK2V Flanker fighter jets from Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport. Delivery will take place in 2014-2015, in three batches of four aircraft. According to my calculations, that will make it 36 Su-30MK2Vs in the Vietnamese People's Air Force's (VPAF) inventory.

In a further sign of its interest, local media is reporting that Japan is looking to purchase the MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces. I hope this happens, the Osprey should look pretty darn good in JGSDF camo!

PLAAF Su-30MKK Aggressor in "Vietnamese" Su-30 colours

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More PLAAF "Aggressor" Flankers on show. The Chinese Ministry of Defence has released a new photo of a PLAAF's Su-30MKK/MK2 Flanker in a different paint scheme from the standard schemes carried by the regular Su-30 units. This time, the scheme on show is a brown-and-green camo topside with (very) light grey undersides. As reported before, these unusually painted Su-30s may be playing the role of Aggressors in exercises. Sharp-eyed observers have also noted that the (barely visible) 3rd aircraft in the previously-published photo of the PLAAF Su-30s in desert camo appeared to be carrying this green-brown camouflage.

It has been suggested that the scheme replicates the new camouflage carried by Vietnam's Su-30MK2Vs. Yea or Nay? You be the judge, using the below photo of a Vietnamese People's Air Force Su-30 to compare.

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Vietnam's Su-27s mount first Spratly patrols from Phu Cat

Vietnam People's Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker. Photo credit: unknown

Vietnamese news portal Thanh Nien Online has reported that Vietnam People's Air Force Sukhoi Su-27 'Flankers' have mounted their first patrols of the disputed Spratly Islands (Link is in Vietnamese) from their base at Phu Cat.

The Su-27s, from the 940th Air Regiment of the 372 Air Division, undertook at patrol of some of the islands claimed by Vietnam at an altitude of 500m (1640 ft), accompanied by an Antonov An-26 of the 918th Transport Regiment.

The disputed Spratly Islands, believed to be rich in oil and other resources, are wholly or partly claimed by China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, the Philippines and Brunei.

VIDEO: Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter in Vietnamese service

Here are a couple of interesting videos on Youtube about the Sukhoi Su-22 in Vietnamese service. The Vietnamese People's Air Force (Không quân Nhân dân Việt Nam) is reported to operate up to 53 Su-22M3/UM-3K (NATO: Fitter-J and -G) and Su-22M-4/R (Fitter-K) with 2 regiments: the 923rd 'Yen The' Fighter-Bomber Regiment at Tho Xuan and the 937th 'Hua Giang' Fighter-Bomber Regiment at Phan Rang. There is something about the Soviet-era inlet and shock cone design of the MiG-21 and Su-7/17/20/22 that floats my boat.

As the VPAF continues it's modernisation drive by acquiring more multi-role Su-27/30 derivatives, these Cold War warriors will sadly fade from use.

Vietnam-bound Su-30MK2 crashes on pre-delivery flight test in Russia

Vietnam People's AF Sukhoi Su-30MK2

A KnAAPO (Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association) Su-30MK2 multi-role fighter has crashed in the Russian Far East on Tuesday. The jet crashed 130 km northeast of Komsomolsk-na-Amure following a reported engine fire during a pre-delivery test flight. Both pilots ejected and survived, although one was injured during the ejection.

Other media reports indicate the aircraft involved was due to be delivered to the Vietnam People's Air Force, which has 44 Su-30MK2s in service and on order.