"The Su-27 pilots from a fighter regiment based in Russia's Far East will practice firing all standard weapons systems fitted on board the aircraft at the Ashuluk training grounds in the Astrakhan Region," Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said.
The Su-27 fighter usually flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all types of air sorties. Its closest American counterpart is the F-15 Eagle.
The Su-27 on-board armament comprises one 30 mm GSh-301cannon and up to 6,000 kg payload of missiles and bombs including AA-10 Alamo air-to-air missiles, AA-11 Archer air-to-air missiles, rockets, guided and unguided bombs.
According to various sources, the Russian Air Force currently has about 450 Su-27 fighters and is planning to upgrade them to the Su-27SM standard, which includes a glass cockpit, advanced electronics and an improved radar with a phased array.
