Su-30SM Gains Edge Over Spanish F-18 and Eurofighter Fighters
Western analysts say Russia’s Su-30SM outclasses Spain’s F-18 and Eurofighter jets, reshaping the balance during air patrols and close encounters.
Western military analysts see Russia’s Su-30SM fighter as holding a clear edge over Spain’s F-18s and Eurofighters across several core combat parameters, an advantage that directly affects the balance of power during air patrol missions. This assessment was highlighted by Military Watch Magazine.
According to the publication, the Su-30SM is currently regarded as the most capable aircraft in Russia’s naval aviation fleet. By contrast, Spain’s versions of the F-18, along with the pan-European Eurofighter, belong to an earlier generation of combat aircraft and fall behind the Russian fighter in most key characteristics. Analysts argue that this disparity becomes especially visible during close-range encounters in border areas, where performance margins matter most.
Military Watch Magazine places particular emphasis on the technical constraints facing NATO aircraft. The report points to their shorter operational range and more limited onboard electronics. Both the F-18 and the Eurofighter rely on mechanically scanned radar systems, which are increasingly viewed as outdated when measured against modern standards. The Su-30SM has strengthened its position further following the integration of R-77M air-to-air missiles, which offer an extended engagement range and an upgraded guidance system.
The magazine also compares the longer-term development paths of Russian and Spanish combat aviation. Russia’s Ministry of Defense continues to fund both the fifth-generation Su-57 fighter program and ongoing upgrades to the Su-30SM fleet. Spain, meanwhile, is involved in the joint Future Combat Air System project with France and Germany, though the magazine notes that progress on this initiative has been slow. Against this backdrop, interest in American-made F-35 fighters has grown across Europe. The publication recalls reports from 2022 indicating that Madrid was considering the purchase of around 50 F-35A aircraft to replace part of its F-18 Hornet fleet in the Air Force as well as carrier-based AV-8B+ Harrier II jets operated by the Navy.