The Angolan Air Force will in May this year take delivery of another two Su-30K combat aircraft from Russia, having already received six out of an order for 12 of the refurbished second-hand aircraft.
Angola received its first two Su-30Ks in September 2017, with four spotted in satellite imagery in October 2018. It ordered 12 Su-30K fighters during a visit by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to Luanda, Angola, in October 2013. Deliveries were originally anticipated around 2015 but delayed due to upgrade work.
The Su-30K were subjected to such improvements as radar and navigation system upgrade and installation of a video recorder, amongst other items before their delivery to Angola.
The Su-30Ks will augment around half-a-dozen Su-27s, out of 18 originally delivered. These aircraft serve with the 13th Fighter Squadron, part of the 25th Fighter Aviation Regiment at Kuito Air Base.
Also, Angola is believed to be getting K-8 Karakorum jet trainers from China, with photos emerging earlier this year showing one of the jets in Angolan Air Force colors. Angola has been seeking to modernize its fleet as well as equip its military with better equipment and has as such exploited the relationship with Russia to get the much-needed upgrade.
