Further Su-27 sales to China ahead of Su-30MKKs

Published: 11/16/1999

In line with recent public acknowledgments of warming Russian-Chinese relations, Russia is expected to sign a contract for the sale of up to 20 Su-27UB trainer aircraft to China at a cost of $30-35 million apiece. The Chinese will use these aircraft as trainers for the Su-27SK and Su-30MKK fighters, also of Russian origin. The Su-27SK fighter jets were purchased from Russia with an agreement that China would be allowed to manufacture these aircraft under a Russian license. A contract for Su-30MKK multi-functional fighter aircraft was signed during an August session of a bilateral economic cooperation commission in Beijing (www.concise.org.17th August 1999). Russia is expected to begin delivery of Su-30MKK to China in 2000. Unlike the Su-27SK aircraft contract, the Su-30MKK contract does not include a manufacturing license. It is estimated that a total of 40 Su-30MKK aircraft will be delivered to China.

Article ID: 1080