The SU-33 is armed with a diverse array of weapons designed for both air superiority and secondary ground attack missions, including guided missiles, an internal cannon, and various unguided munitions.
Air-to-Air Armament
The primary role of the SU-33 is air superiority, and its armament reflects this with a selection of air-to-air missiles and a powerful internal cannon. The aircraft features twelve hardpoints for mounting external stores.
- Guided Missiles:
- R-73 short-range air-to-air missiles: The SU-33 can carry up to four of these highly agile missiles, designed for close-range combat and effective against maneuvering targets.
- R-27E extended-range air-to-air missiles: For engagements at longer distances, the SU-33 is equipped to carry up to six R-27E missiles, providing a significant reach advantage.
- Internal Cannon:
- The fighter is also equipped with a 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon, a potent weapon for dogfights and strafing runs. It carries 150 rounds of ammunition for this internal gun.
Air-to-Ground Capabilities
While primarily an air superiority fighter, the SU-33 possesses a secondary capability for air-to-ground missions, utilizing unguided munitions against surface targets.
- Unguided Rockets: The aircraft can carry various unguided rockets, suitable for suppressing enemy positions or light armored vehicles.
- Bombs: It is capable of deploying a range of bombs for general-purpose ground attack missions.
- Cluster Bombs: For wider area effects against dispersed targets, the SU-33 can also be armed with cluster bombs.
SU-33 Weaponry Summary
The table below provides a concise overview of the SU-33's armament:
| Weapon Type | Specific Weapon / Details | Capacity / Quantity | Primary Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Missiles | R-73 (air-to-air) | Up to 4 | Air Superiority, Close Combat |
| R-27E (air-to-air) | Up to 6 | Air Superiority, Beyond Visual Range | |
| Internal Cannon | GSh-30-1 (30 mm) | 150 rounds | Air-to-Air, Ground Strafing |
| Unguided Munitions | Unguided rockets | Assortment (on hardpoints) | Secondary Air-to-Ground |
| Bombs | Assortment (on hardpoints) | Secondary Air-to-Ground | |
| Cluster bombs | Assortment (on hardpoints) | Secondary Air-to-Ground |
