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.

By 2012 the Russian Naval Aviation consisted of Su-33 fighters and Su-25UTG attack aircraft belonging to the 279th Regiment that formed the Admiral Kuznetzov carrier air wing. Also considered as part of this group were the Su-24 bombers based in the Crimea. Established in 1973 as the 279th Independent Shipborne Assault Aviation Regiment but in 1990 it became a maritime Assault Aviation Regiment. In 1993 the unit absorbed the 100th Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment so the 279 th was renamed the 279 th Shipborne Fighter Aviation Regiment based at Severomorsk-3, Murmansk Oblast.