16 multi-role MiG-29SMT fighters will be delivered to Russian air forces by the end of 2016. The corresponding state contract has been signed by the Deputy Minister of Defense, Yuri Borisov, and CEO of RAC MiG (part of United Aircraft Corporation), Sergey Korotkov, the corporation’s press-service reports.

The value of this contract, including ground support, test and control equipment, is over 17 billion rubles. The contract is aimed at maintaining the combat readiness of light fighter fleet.

«28 MiG-29SMT jets were delivered to the air forces in 2009-2010. The aircraft showed good results. It is able to use a wide variety of weapons for destroying air and ground targets», - CEO of RAC MiG, Sergey Korotkov, said.

«This order allows the enterprise to face future with confidence and it will also lay foundation for production of the advanced jets, like MiG-35S", - Deputy Minister of Defense noted.

The contract for delivery of “4++”-generation MiG-35S aircraft should be signed after 2016. In the near term about 100 MiG-35S jets will be manufactured, so RAC MiG will gain new opportunities and the air forces will be able to optimize the fleet of its light and heavy fighters.