Attack Aircraft
Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter
The Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter is the export version of the Soviet Su-17 variable-sweep-wing fighter-bomber built by Sukhoi, with exports from 1977. About 2,867 Su-17, Su-20 and Su-22 aircraft were built, and several countries still fly it in small numbers.
Russia|SukhoiWhat Is the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter? Overview, History and Development
Sukhoi developed the Su-17 family from the Su-7, adding variable-sweep wings for better takeoff and range. The Su-7IG first flew in 1966, and Su-17 service began in 1970. The Su-22 export version, derived from the Su-17M family, went abroad from 1977. It uses a Lyulka AL-21F-3 engine and reaches about Mach 2.1. It carries two 30 mm cannon and up to 4,250 kg of external stores, including Kh-23, Kh-25 and Kh-29 missiles.
About 2,867 Su-17, Su-20 and Su-22 aircraft were built, with production ending in 1990. Current operators include Peru, Syria, Angola, Yemen, North Korea and Libya in small numbers, with counts uncertain. Poland retired its Su-22s in 2022, and Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Vietnam have also retired them. It saw combat in Afghanistan, the Iran-Iraq War, Libya, Syria, Angola and Western Sahara. It is not stealthy.
Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter Variants and Versions Compared
The Su-22M3 was an early export fighter-bomber with the AL-21F-3 engine and improved navigation equipment.
The Su-22M4 was the improved late export version with a laser rangefinder and expanded weapons integration.
The Su-22UM3K was the two-seat export trainer version that retained combat capability.
Which Countries Use the Sukhoi Su-22 Fitter? Operators and Users
Peru
Syria
Angola
Yemen
North Korea
LibyaSukhoi Su-22 Fitter FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How fast is the Su-22?
The Sukhoi Su-22 has a top speed of about Mach 2.1. Its combat radius is about 675 km, and it can carry up to 4,250 kg of external stores.
How many Su-22s were built?
About 2,867 Su-17, Su-20 and Su-22 aircraft were built in total. Production ended in 1990. Most of the airframes went to Soviet and Warsaw Pact forces and to export customers, and only a small number remain flyable today.
Which countries still use the Su-22?
Peru, Syria, Angola, Yemen, North Korea and Libya still operate the Su-22 in small, uncertain numbers. Poland retired its fleet in 2022.
Which Arab countries used the Su-22?
Egypt, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Yemen and Algeria have used the Su-22. Syria and Libya are the most likely current users, and counts are uncertain.
Su-22 vs MiG-27: what is the difference?
The Su-22 is a Sukhoi fighter-bomber with a heavier weapons load, while the MiG-27 is a ground-attack version of the MiG-23. Both have variable-sweep wings and similar roles.
Is the Su-22 a stealth aircraft?
No, the Sukhoi Su-22 is not a stealth aircraft. It is a 1960s-era fighter-bomber and relies on low-level speed rather than low observability.