Deliveries of T-50 (PAK FA) fifth-generation fighter will be started in 2016 as planned. It was stated by the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian air forces, Colonel General Viktor Bondarev, at a meeting with veterans of Barnaul military flight school disbanded in 2006, TASS reports.

“The aviation is alive, the fleet of our air forces is expanding as well as our capabilities. Today we are taking deliveries of “4++”-generation aircraft; deliveries of the fifth-generation T-50 fighters, which are highly competitive with US F-22 jets, will be started next year,” he said.

Bondarev reminded that at present the air forces are taking deliveries of Su-30SM and Su-35S fighters as well as upgraded Su-25 strike-fighters.

Speaking of demonstration flights performed by pilots of Russian aerobatic teams at different airshows, Bondarev noted that these flights are aimed at attracting young people to army and air forces in particular.

“Contract military service is your choice!” event will be held in Barnaul on Saturday and the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian air forces has already taken part in such events before. The citizens and visitors will also see a spectacular demonstration flights performed by Falcons of Russia aerobatic team (Lipetsk). A mobile center intended for citizens applying for contract military service will be available at the event.