Long shrouded in secrecy, this fearsome Soviet fighter from the Sukhoi design bureau represents a quantum leap in fighter technology inside the former USSR. Obviously created using 'borrowed' design concepts from the West, the Su-27 is the only Soviet warplane apart from the similar MiG-29 nearly to match the best from the West in technology and effectiveness. It is the rough equivalent of the USAF F-15 in size, mission, and capability. The Soviet electronics industry had difficulty producing the Su-27's complex avionics and as a result initial deliveries of the warplane were slow. Only about 100 aircraft were available as late as 1987. The Flanker's main duties are interception and long-range escort for the Su-24 Fencer. A navalized version is now in production for use on Russian carriers.
