The deal, estimated to be worth $2 billion, is a significant boost to
Russia’s arms exports. “The long negotiation on the Su-35 sale to China has
been completed. China purchased 24 Su-35s at a price of about $83 million each.
The Su-35 (designated Flanker-E+, not to be confused with the Su-27M,
which used to be called by the same name before its discontinuation) is a
long-range “4++ generation” fighter jet.
It is armed with an internal 30mm cannon and has 12 hardpoints with a
combined capacity of 8,000 kg, compatible with a wide range of unguided and
guided missiles and bombs.
The Russian armed forces are the primary operator of the aircraft, with
36 series Su-35s currently in their possession and more to be produced. China
first showed its interest in buying Su-35s in 2008 during the Airshow China
international expo. Formal negotiations started in 2011.
The deal does not involve domestic production of Su-35s in China, a
condition usually desired by Beijing due to its strategic goal of producing an
entire range of the weapons it uses on its own territory.
The deal would ensure Chinese Air Force superiority in the region amid
brewing conflicts with other nations, such as the Philippines and Japan, over
territorial disputes.
China’s own production capabilities of advanced warplanes, including the
J-11, are not yet sufficient to maintain the necessary strength, according to
Chinese media.
China is currently among the world’s top five buyers of Russian arms,
restoring its position after a slowdown in late 2000s.
Beijing buys advanced Russian jet engines, submarines and surface-to-air
missiles, among other high-tech military items.
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