11 Sukhoi Su-27UBK Flanker-C (Sqn 5 ETAF)
An export version of the trainer, designated Su-27UBK, was developed alongside it’s single-seat export model, the Su-27SK. The aircraft is almost identical to the standard Su-27UB, differing slightly in the avionics fit (notably the IFF system) and weapons options. In February 1991, a mid-production Su-27UB was delivered to the Sukhoi OKB for conversion as the Su-27UBK prototype. About 50 Su-27UBKs were built new by IAPO between 1991 and 2001. The first few aircraft in batches 14, 15, and 17 were delivered to the Russian Air Force, specifically the 797th Air Training Regiment (UAP) based in Kushchevskaya, which was responsible for training foreign student pilots. Export deliveries (batches 17 through 22) began in November 1992 to China and in 1995 to Vietnam. Surplus Su-27UBs from Russian Air Force stocks were modified to SU-27UBK standard and sold to Ethiopia three years later.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Air Force (ETAF) purchased six single-seat Su-27s and two Su-27UBs plus several hundred R-27 air-to-air missiles in late 1998. Before delivery, the aircraft were suitably modified for export, which involved replacement of IFF transponders, and given a check-up by the Russian Air Force’s ARZ No. 275 aircraft plant in Krasnodar and modifying them to the Su-27SK/Su-27UBK standard. The Su-27s saw action in the war with Eritrea over the disputed Badme region. Three Flankers were lost during the fighting. Replacements were sought but the United Nations imposed a ban on weapons deliveries to the belligerents in May 2000. Four years later, the ban was lifted and Ethiopia purchased six ex-Russian Air Force Su-27s (four Flanker-Bs and two Flanker-Cs), which were modified to the Su-27SK and Su-27UBK standards. The aircraft were delivered in 2003-4.
11 Sukhoi Su-27UBK Flanker-C (Sqn 5 ETAF)
An export version of the trainer, designated Su-27UBK, was developed alongside it’s single-seat export model, the Su-27SK. The aircraft is almost identical to the standard Su-27UB, differing slightly in the avionics fit (notably the IFF system) and weapons options. In February 1991, a mid-production Su-27UB was delivered to the Sukhoi OKB for conversion as the Su-27UBK prototype. About 50 Su-27UBKs were built new by IAPO between 1991 and 2001. The first few aircraft in batches 14, 15, and 17 were delivered to the Russian Air Force, specifically the 797th Air Training Regiment (UAP) based in Kushchevskaya, which was responsible for training foreign student pilots. Export deliveries (batches 17 through 22) began in November 1992 to China and in 1995 to Vietnam. Surplus Su-27UBs from Russian Air Force stocks were modified to SU-27UBK standard and sold to Ethiopia three years later.
The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Air Force (ETAF) purchased six single-seat Su-27s and two Su-27UBs plus several hundred R-27 air-to-air missiles in late 1998. Before delivery, the aircraft were suitably modified for export, which involved replacement of IFF transponders, and given a check-up by the Russian Air Force’s ARZ No. 275 aircraft plant in Krasnodar and modifying them to the Su-27SK/Su-27UBK standard. The Su-27s saw action in the war with Eritrea over the disputed Badme region. Three Flankers were lost during the fighting. Replacements were sought but the United Nations imposed a ban on weapons deliveries to the belligerents in May 2000. Four years later, the ban was lifted and Ethiopia purchased six ex-Russian Air Force Su-27s (four Flanker-Bs and two Flanker-Cs), which were modified to the Su-27SK and Su-27UBK standards. The aircraft were delivered in 2003-4.