I have not seen many aftermarket sheets for the Su-25 and certainly few that were not Russian. From our friends at Balkan Models, we now have some excellent markings options. The sheet includes enough markings to do eight aircraft from four different air forces with some of them pertaining to the two seat Su-25UB.

First on our list are markings of three Su-25s and a single Su-25 UB from the Macedonian air force. These aircraft are all in a varied pattern of two greens, a brown and a dark tan.

Next is a Bulgarian air force aircraft as with the 22nd attack squadron. These planes replaced MiG-17s and have been in service since the mid 1980s.

The third country is Ukraine. This example camouflaged in browns, comes from the 229th Tactical Brigade. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine had more aircraft that it could use and so put many in storage. It is from this unit that Macedonia received its Su-25s.

Fourth up is an Iraqi AF example. This one comes from the first Gulf War in 1991 and was one of 73 originally purchased.

The last nation option is a two seat Su-25UB from the Georgian AF. Based at Tbilisi, it was one of the few military aircraft left behind by the Soviets with the breakup of the union.

The decals are superbly printed and look to be in perfect register. Instructions are beautifully printed in full color and provide four views of each of the eight options. In addition to some historical background, a comprehensive color guide is provided with nine different manufacturers being represented so you are sure to find a match. The instructions are not in the booklet or fold-out form of some other sheets, but more like a map where one has a large, two-sided sheet when it is fully open.

No kit is specified, but there are enough out there that one should not be difficult to locate. In all, a very impressive package.

Thanks to Balkan Models for the review sheet. Ask your local shop to get this one for you when it is available or visit the link.

February 2012

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.