The project traces its origins to a 1990 requirement to replace the aging Aero L-39 jet trainers, which were reaching the end of their service lives.

The Aero L-29 had originally been selected as a Warsaw Pact standard trainer in 1961, in preference to the Yak-30 and PZL TS-11 Iskra.

Sukhoi decided to take a different approach, and develop a true high-performance design closer to a fighter than a trainer.

[2] The design that emerged appeared to be a Su-33 with a fuselage plug removed behind the cockpit, giving it a cross-section similar to other advanced trainers of the era.

General characteristics Performance Armament (light fighter versions) a variety of bombs rockets and missiles on external hardpoints