LANGKAWI (Malaysia), March 21. /TASS/. The Russian Knights pilotage group flew advanced Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets for the first time to perform stunts at the LIMA 2017 aerospace show on Langkawi Island in Malaysia.

"We do not have any special changes in our group pilotage so far. However, in pair and solo pilotage, we have a possibility to perform whatever turns, rolls and a controlled tailspin using the plane’s aerodynamics and controlled thrust vector," Russian Knights Commander Andrei Alekseyev told TASS.

The Russian aerobatic team is consistently learning pilotage techniques to fly the new fighter jet, he said.

"The Su-30SM is a splendid plane and, therefore, our program at the aerospace show will feature many new elements in sole pilotage using super-maneuverability," the commander said.

The flights of Su-30SM planes evoke special interest as these aircraft feature further development of Su-30MKI fighter jets in service with the Indian Air Force and Su-30MKM fighters operational in the Royal Malaysian Air Force.

The Russian Knights received eight Su-30SM multipurpose fighter jets in the fall of 2016 from Irkut Aircraft Corporation. Over a short period of time, the pilots have mastered a program of demonstrative flights that includes new elements whose performance has been facilitated by the Su-30SM’s super-maneuverability. A quartet of Su-30SM fighter jets is performing aerobatics at the Malaysian aerospace show.

The Russian Knights aerobatic group set up in 1991 earlier flew Su-27 and two-seat Su-27UB fighter jets for performing stunts in the air. Aboard these planes, the Russian Knights pilots numerously demonstrated their skills at Malaysian aerospace shows.

The Russian Knights is the world’s first pilotage group flying heavy fighter jets that feature combat capabilities of serial-produced planes.

The Russian Defense Ministry has been purchasing Su-30SM fighter jets for the country’s Aerospace Force and Naval Aviation since 2011.

The state defense order for Su-30SM planes has exceeded 110 planes, with over a half of them already delivered to the troops. As Russian experts say, the Su-30SM has become Russia’s most mass produced new fighter jet. The Russian military expects to consistently build up the fighter jet’s capabilities through improved avionics and new armament.

Russia has been supplying Su-30SM fighter jets to Kazakhstan since 2015. Irkut Aircraft Corporation also continues the export deliveries of Su-30MK fighter planes and renders India’s HAL Corporation assistance in the licensed production of these fighters.