High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The Sukhoi Su-33 (NATO reporting name: Flanker-D) is an all-weather carrier-based air defence fighter designed by Sukhoi and manufactured by KnAAPO. It is a derivative of the Su-27 "Flanker" and was initially known as the Su-27K. The aircraft was first used in operations in 1995, aboard the carrier Admiral Kuznetsov. It officially entered service in August 1998, by which time the designation "Su-33" was used. Following the break-up of the USSR and the subsequent downsizing of the Russian Navy, only 24 aircraft were produced. Attempted sales to China and India fell through.