Russian Air Force to get 6 Su-35 fighters by yearend

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian Air Force will receive the first six Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E multirole fighter jets by the end of 2012, spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik said on Monday, March 12, RIA Novosti reported.

“Su-35 is in the final stages of flight testing at the Akhtubinsk testing and pilot training center [Volga Region],” Drik said. “The first six series-production Su-35s will be delivered to the Air Force by the end of 2012.”

The Su-35, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

The aircraft has been touted as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology."

The Russian Defense Ministry signed a deal with Sukhoi on the purchase of 48 Su-35 fighters in 2009.

Sukhoi is reportedly also in talks with customers in South-East Asia, the Middle East and South America on Su-35 sales.