Russian Black Knight's aircraft for sale according to reports, but no comment in Moscow

Published: 11/11/1999

Reports in the UK press have highlighted the putting up for sale of at least some of the four Su-27s and Su-30s used by the Russian Black Knight display team, apparently to inject some cash into Russia's struggling economy. An article in Pilot magazine touts the planes, at a cost of up to $35m each. Its author, David Oliver, claims that he was approached by Vladimir Yakimov, a former pilot at the display team's base, the Gromov Flight Research Institute at Zhukovsky, on the outskirts of Moscow. Not surprisingly, such revelations have raised eyebrows in defence circles. While training aircraft and older generation MiGs have been made available on the open market, the sale of a modern Russian combat aircraft, especially of the calibre of the Su-27 and Su-30, is unprecedented. The fighters are unarmed, but potentially could be fitted with weapons. They would also be a significant loss to the air show circuit. It is interesting that the story has not appeared in the Russian press, suggesting that the move, if genuine, is being handled in true cloak and dagger style. Such covert dealings are hinted at in the UK coverage. Yakimov, when questioned, would not confirm the sale or disclose any details. A spokesman for the display team insisted that there were no such plans but when pressed, could not speak for the intentions of the owners of the aircraft, a joint stock company.

Article ID: 1071