picture 172481

Sometime in summer 2017, the VKS deployed up to six Su-27SMs to Hmeimim AB. All were camouflaged in the standard pattern for that variant, consisting of light grey overall (FS 35550), with a disruptive scheme in blue-grey (FS 35420) and medium grey (FS 35526). All dielectric panels were painted in traffic white. Primarily serving as interceptors, these still had R-27R air-to-air missiles as their major armament. Gauging by mission markings – applied in the form of bomb silhouettes in red – each of them flew up to 50-60 combat missions before returning to Russia. (Artwork by Tom Cooper)