Billion-Dollar Beasts: Exploring the Most Expensive Military Vehicles to Ever Hit the Battlefield

8. Flanker Su-27

Overview of the Su-27 Fighter Jet Joined the Service: 1977 Producer: Sukhoi Price: *$41.2 million Key Features Design Purpose: Developed as a nimble twin-engine fighter jet to compete with American fourth-generation fighters like the F-15 Eagle and F-14 Tomcat. Versatility: Various versions of the Su-27 can perform nearly any aerial warfare mission, emphasizing its capability for air superiority. Development Timeline: The Soviet Union requested the Su-27 in 1977, and it was first introduced to the public eight years later.

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Su-27 Flanker Overview NATO Reporting Name: Flanker Variations: Several variants exist, including: Su-30 Su-33 Su-34 Su-35 Su-37 Shenyang J-11 (a licensed Chinese-built variant) Recent Innovations Latest Model: The Sukhoi Last Flanker introduces significant advancements: Engines: Equipped with new thrust-vectoring AL-41F1S engines. Radar: Features the N035 Irbis-E radar, improving detection capabilities. Design: A smaller radar cross-section enhances stealth. Avionics: Upgraded avionics for improved performance and situational awareness. Modifications Ukrainian Upgrades: Only Ukraine has completed additional improvements or modifications to the Su-27 since the introduction of the Su-35/Last Flanker.