The Su-27S (NATO reporting name – Flanker) is a single-seat highly-maneuverable fighter aircraft built by Sukhoi Design Bureau as the Soviet response to the U.S. F-14 and F-15 and entered service in 1985. The primary role of the Su-27 was to provide defense against American bombers, USN ships and provide Soviet bomber escorts. There have been many improvements over the years resulting in numerous variants of the Su-27. The export variant, the Su-27SK was sold to China and eventually developed into the license-built Shenyang J-11.
On August 24, 1991 Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union and also that same year inherited 67 Su-27/27UB’s. On March 17, 1992 the Air Force of the Ukraine was formed and later in 2004/2005 the name was once again changed to Air Forces of the Armed Forces of the Ukraine. Su-27 Flanker B was received by the Ukraine in 2012 with a c/n 36911035716 Bort 100. There are over 30 active Su-27s in various versions located with the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade and 39th Separate Tactical Aviation Squadron.