Deliveries of Russian-produced Su-30K fighters to Angola will be started this year, IA REGNUM reports with reference to Jane’s and a source familiar with the situation.
The 558th aircraft repair plant located in Baranovichi (Belarus) is upgrading 12 Su-30K fighters, which should be delivered to Angola under a contract signed by Rosoboronexport and Angolan Minister of Defense in late 2013. According to the source, some aircraft will be delivered to the customer in 2015 and the rest jets – in late 2016 or early 2017. We remind you that 18 Su-30K fighters were returned from India to Russia in 2011.
The story related to these Su-30K jets started in 1996. The contract with India signed in 1996 comprised some interesting terms. Under this agreement Russia should have delivered Su-30MKI fighters to Indian air forces, however, it was decided in 1997-1999 to deliver 18 Su-30K fighters to the customer instead (simplified configuration), because Russia was unable to deliver Su-30MKI fighters on time. Later Russia delivered 18 Su-30MKI jets to India to replace these Su-30K fighters. On paper, upon implementation of the contract, in 2007 the Su-30K aircraft were transferred to the possession of Irkut Corporation. In November 2011 the vehicles were delivered by transport aircraft to the 558thaircraft repair plant located in Baranovichi (Belarus) in order to avoid paying Russian value added tax for them.
