01:28 pm - Tuesday
Further 50 Russian fighters for the Indian Air Force?
New Delhi, India - To be added to the 230 already ordered
(WAPA) - The Indian Air Force (IAF) might buy 50 further Russian-built Sukhoi Su-30MKI combat aircraft, according to the news reported by the Indian newspaper "The Times of India". The fighter jets will be added to the 230 already ordered, for a total of three deals worth overall US$8.5 billion.
"We are interested in acquiring more Sukhois -said IAF spokesman marshal PV Naik- which will be the mainstay of India's fighter fleet for the foreseeable future, to further enhance its combat potential".
The Su-30MKI Flanker-H is a variant of the Su-30 jointly developed by Sukhoi Corporation and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Indian Air Force. The deal signed in the late 90s included the purchase of 50 aircraft from Russia, integrated by further 40 in 2007. A further contract was signed for the construction in India of 140 fighters between 2003 and 2017. Currently the Indian Air Force has 105 Su-30MKI in active service. (Avionews)
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Direttore Clara Moschini