The RD-33 was the first afterburning turbofan engine produced by the Klimov company of Russia in the 8,000 to 9,000 kilograms-force (78 to 88 kN; 18,000 to 20,000 lbf) thrust class.

The first few engines for the 9.01 MiG-29 prototype were equipped with a longer nozzle, without the double wall design, which is featured on the current RD-33[3][4] and RD-33MK models.

Right after the first few example and the first few MiG-29 prototype models, this difficult control system was removed, due to the operational altitude limit of the upcoming fighter.

[9] A non-afterburning variant used to power the MiG Skat UCAV, 50.4 kN (11,340 lbf) dry thrust.

The accessory gearbox is repositioned below the engine, length can be varied depending on the adopted aircraft fuselage.

[13] The RD-33MK "Morskaya Osa" (Russian: Морская Оса: "Sea Wasp") is the latest model developed in 2001.

The RD-33MK develops 7% higher thrust, is digitally controlled FADEC and smokeless unlike earlier RD-33 engines, has increased afterburner thrust to 9,000 kilograms-force (88,000 N; 20,000 lbf) and dry weight 1,145 kilograms (2,524 lb) compared to the baseline model through modern materials used on the cooled blades, although it retains the same length and maximum diameter.

[14][15][16][17] India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has obtained licensed production for RD-33MK variant in 2007 and so far has produced 140 engines till 2020.