The Sukhoi Su-27 was developed as a long-range interceptor and escort fighter for the IA-PVO, to replace Su-15 and MiG-23 which lacked range, look-down/shoot-down capability and the ability to operate independently of GCI control. As the T-10 the aircraft made its maiden flight on 20 May 1977 and was allocated the provisional reporting name 'Ram-K' and then the full NATO reporting name 'Flanker-A'. Unfortunately, the aircraft suffered many problems, including excessive drag, inadequate structural strength, flutter and excess weight. It had to be totally redesigned (as the T-10S) before it could be put into production. The redesigned aircraft received the reporting name 'Flanker-B'. The aircraft's large size gives it a massive internal fuel capacity, and a correspondingly long range. It can also carry up to 10 air-to-air missiles (six long-range AA-10 'Alamo' and four short-range AA-11 'Archer'), in addition to its built-in 30mm cannon. For training Su-27 pilots, a tandem two seat training version was developed under the designation Su-27UB. China is so far the only export customer for the Su-27, although the break-up of the USSR has meant that it serves with several former Soviet States, including Russia and the Ukraine. There have been a host of experimental versions of the basic Su-27, including the P-42, which smashed many of the time-to-climb records set by the F-15.

Sukhoi were awarded a contract to develop a long-range interceptor based on the Su-27 for service on board the USSR's new generation of aircraft-carriers, while Mikoyan were given responsibility for developing a smaller multi-role strike-fighter based on their MiG-29. The resulting Su-27K was in many respects a minimum-change version of the basic series production Su-27, with the same avionics and intercept-optimised weapons system. It was fitted with canard foreplanes, was structurally strengthened, and had folding wings and tailplanes, an arrester hook and corrosion protection. The end of the Cold War and the break-up of the Soviet Union left Russia with only one of the planned four carriers, and it was decided to equip this ship with a single aircraft type. Inexplicably, the Su-27K was selected as that type, despite its large size (limiting the number that can be carried), high cost and lack of versatility. It has since been re-designated Su-33. To fulfill the very long-range, long-endurance intercept role, Sukhoi developed the Su-27PU, a two-seater based on the Su-27UB with provision for inflight refuelling, systems proved for extended operation, and with provision to carry an intercept controller in the rear cockpit to enable the aircraft to act as a mini-AWACS. The aircraft has since been re-designated Su-30. The derived Su-30M (Su-30MK for export) adds ground attack capability, and compatability with a wide range of guided air-to-surface weapons.

The Su-27M (redesignated Su-35 during 1992) was developed as a successor to the Su-27 in PVO and Frontal Aviation service. Sharing the same basic airframe as the standard 'Flanker', with minor refinements including taller, square-tipped tailfins, the. Su-27M introduced many changes under the skin. A new radar and fire control system have been adopted, along with a modern glass cockpit with three multi-function CRT displays. The fly-by-wire control system has also been redesigned. Critical economic problems led to the abandonment of the Su-27M's intended shorter-range, lower-cost, and more versatile counterpart, the MiG-29M, leaving it as the sole Russian tactical fighter programme for the 1990s.