KNAAPO, which had sold a number of older-generation Su-27 models to the PLAAF in the first half of the decade, followed suit not long thereafter with the Su-30MKK model, with the second “K” here meaning “Kitai,”- the Russian word for China. The all-Russian on-board systems option appealed to the Chinese because their primary goal is to be able to produce most of the major subsystems for the Su-30MKK under license in the PRC. Thus far, the Russians have been willing to share a great deal of technology and have also taught the Chinese how to develop some of their own innovations. In the second stage, which the Chinese are well into at this point, the PLAAF will become self-sufficient by having some of the Russian-made major components replaced by Chinese analogues. Recently, the Shenyang aircraft works that licence-produce the Su-27s in China under the designator of J-11 have flown a J-11B model aircraft that is reportedly equipped with a Chinese-made engine and radar set. The experience of US and EU sanctions has had the result of the Chinese trying to inoculate themselves against any embargoes in the future. Additionally, the KNAAPO-built Su-30MKK also does not include the canard that is part of the Su-30MKI’s planform. This modification to the Su-30 was developed by Irkut. Thus, they technically own the intellectual property rights to this modification and it cannot be offered to the Chinese unless KNAAPO pay a license or royalty fee for to their Irkut rivals.

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