In 1985 the approval was given for a naval variant of the Su-27 that would provide air superiority for its aircraft carriers. The new aircraft was designated Su-27 (K = Korabelny, Ship Borne) with a factory designation of T-10K which would later become Su-33, NATO Flanker D. Canards were added, strengthened frame and landing gear with a two-wheel nose gear. The drag chute was removed, a retractable tail hook added and wings, horizontal stabilizers and nose cone were made to fold. A retractable in-flight refueling probe was included on the port side.
The Russian Naval 1st Aviation Squadron “Eagles” is part of the 279th shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment based at Severomorsk-3. The main administrative base for the Russian Northern Fleet is located at Severomorsk which is a closed town on the Barent Sea. Severomorsk is also the home base for the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and the 279th FAR. The ship serves as a missile carrying cruiser as well as an aircraft carrier. Su-33 Red 67 s/n 49051006305 produced in July 1993 and lost in 2016 when arrestor wires broke.