Having studied the experience of the Gulf War, the PLA concluded that its modernisation plans were already outdated before they could be implemented. Consequently, in 1993, the Central Military Commission conducted a thorough review of the Chinese army's strategy. One of the objectives was to gain the ability to deliver precision-guided long-range strikes to strengthen defenses and maintain offensive capabilities. In 1992, the PLA received Russian Su-27SKs, but a few years later, they wanted an aircraft with enhanced attack capabilities. Negotiations began in 1996. In 1999, Russia and China signed a contract for the delivery of 38 multi-role aircraft.

In 1998, the Komsomolsk-on-Amur plant began developing an advanced Su-30MKK (modernized, commercial, Chinese) aircraft based on the Su-30MK. This involved strengthening the fuselage and landing gear, using carbon-fiber reinforced polymer vertical stabilizers, improving the avionics and installing a new fire control system. Additionally, the Su-30MKK received an upgraded version of the Su-27SK (N001E) radar, the N001VE. The first Su-30 prototype was converted into an MKK demonstrator and made its maiden flight in this configuration in March. The first prototype of the modification itself was converted from an Su-27UB trainer aircraft and took to the skies in May. Deliveries of the new planes began in December 2000. In 2001, an order was placed for a further 38 aircraft, which were delivered by 2003. Currently, PLAAF has 73 Su-30MKKs in service.

The Chinese Su-30MKK was introduced in Update 2.53 "Line of Contact". The aircraft is similar to the Venezuelan Su-30MK2 AMV in many ways, differing only in the presence of Chinese air-to-air missiles. It is otherwise the same heavy aircraft with a low thrust-to-weight ratio that is poorly suited for close-range dogfights. However, thanks to its large payload, it performs well in combat at medium and long ranges. Moreover, its diverse air-to-surface weapons allow it to engage stationary and moving targets.