December 16, 2007:
The Russian Air Force is
upgrading its Su-27 fighters to the Su-27SM standard. This means new engines,
with greater reliability and ten percent more thrust. A better radar (AESA) and
glass cockpit (flat screen displays and more efficient software) allowed for
the installation of a better fire control system. That means the ability to use
smart bombs and the latest air-to-air missiles. Russia is planning to upgrade
at least 200 of their 440 Su-27s to the SM standard. The Su-27 is mainly used
for air defense. One regiment in the far east has been equipped with Su-27SMs,
and another is on the way. This makes Japan nervous, as the Su27SM is capable
of taking on Japanese F-15s.