Sukhoi Flankers

From its turbulent beginnings as the Soviet Union's answer to the American F-15 Eagle, the Sukhoi Su-27 evolved into one of the most iconic fighter families in aviation history. Known for its immense range, breathtaking agility, and adaptability across missions, the "Flanker" has remained at the forefront of global air power for over four decades. This book traces the complete story of the Su-27 lineage, from Cold War imperatives to its transformation into the Su-30, Su-33, Su-34, and Su-35. It explores the design challenges, operational deployments, and worldwide exports that turned the Flanker into a cornerstone of Russia's air strategy and a symbol of technological persistence. Beyond military hardware, it examines the Flanker's place in international exercises, combat theaters from Ethiopia to Syria and Ukraine, and its resonance in media and popular culture. Comprehensive, fact-based, and compellingly written, Sukhoi Flankers: Su-27 to Su-35-Russia's Long-Range Reach presents the definitive narrative of a fighter family that continues to shape the balance of air power into the 21st century.