Russia and India are negotiating upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters. It was stated by the head of Russian delegation at the 51st Paris Air Show, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), Konstantin Biryulin, TASS reports.
Speaking of the situation connected with the upgrade of Su-30MKI fighters operated by India, the head of Russian delegation said that “at present Russia is negotiating upgrade of Su-30MKI aircraft with the Indian partners. The first Su-30MKI jets were delivered to India 20 years ago”. “The upgrade includes fitting the aircraft with new communication and data transmission systems as well as new radars. All these systems will be upgraded,” he noted.
According to the head of the delegation, Russia and India are preparing contracts for joint development of FGFA (fifth-generation fighter aircraft) MTA (multi-role transport aircraft). “Detailed and final design of these two aircraft have been completed,” Biryulin said. “At present negotiations related to signing contracts for joint development of these aircraft are in progress,” he added. Biryulin also said that Russia submitted tender documentation for Su-35 fighter to Indonesia.
“Documentation for Su-35 fighter required to take part in the tender was handed over to Indonesian partners,” he said. According to Biryulin, Rosoboronexport is taking part in the tender for delivery of new fighters to Indonesia.
“In the course of preliminary negotiations the parties agreed that Su-35 is the best solution. The aircraft is being operated by Russian air forces and it has already proven itself. Moreover, the Indonesian air forces have operated Su aircraft before,” the head of the delegation noted.
Russia is not considering the possibility of starting a licensed production of engines for military aircraft in China, Konstantin Biryulin said. “Matters related to a licensed production of engines for military aircraft in China have not been considered,” Biryulin said while speaking about the possibility of launching the assembly of AL (for Su fighters) or RD (for JF-17/FC-1 fighters) engines in China.
At the same time, he noted that PRC is still interested in Russian engines.
“The Chinese party purchases different types of Russian engines from time to time in order to assure the operation of previously purchased aircraft and to support production of JF-17/FC-1 Thunder combat aircraft,” he said.
“African countries are interested in purchasing Russian-produced weapons and military vehicles, including advanced aircraft like Su-30 fighters,” Biryulin explained. He mentioned Ethiopia as a potential buyer of Russian aircraft (the country operates Su-27 fighters).
“Ethiopia is also interested in purchasing Russian defense products. The country’s armed forces are equipped with Russian-produced vehicles and weapons,” he stated.