Russia, China sign contract worth over $2 billion for Su-35 fighter jets: source

Reuters ^ | November 19th, 2015 | By Gleb Stolyarov

[Mariner]

China will buy 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets from Russia in a deal worth more than $2 billion, an industry source told Reuters on Thursday, in a move that may help the Kremlin's strained finances.

A spokeswoman for Russian state conglomerate Rostec confirmed a deal between the two countries had been signed involving Su-35 fighter jets, but declined to provide details.

The deal makes China the first foreign buyer of the Su-35, one of Russia's most advanced military aircraft, and is one of the largest contracts for military jets ever signed between the two countries.

Chinese state media quoted Russian media on the deal. The Chinese government has not commented, in keeping with standard practice on arms deals.

Russia and China have been in talks for several years over the Su-35s, and in 2012 the two sides signed a preliminary agreement for Beijing to buy some of the jets, the Kommersant newspaper reported.

[Mariner]

I guess "Made in China" is not as dangerous as many here on FR think it is.

[dp0622]

China is buying the jets, not selling them.

So many jets bought and sold in the world and really, when were there significant aircraft losses in a battle.

I know helicopters were hit in Iraq, not many jets downed since Korea.

I could be wrong.

[Mariner]

The point is that they are buying jets.

Why don't they just make more of their super-duper stealth thingys?

[dp0622]

lol. Just dont feed your dog chinese dog food!!

[smokingfrog]

What’s wrong with their J-10?

[sukhoi-30mki]

This deal shows Russia’s desperation more than anything. It’s been in the works for more than a DECADE, given Russian anxieties over Chinese stealing their tech.

[sukhoi-30mki]

Apples and oranges: the J-10 is much lighter/smaller. It can’t do what the SU-35 can. But the SU-35’s stealth, radar, composite construction, and most importantly its engines, will be of use in an eventual J-10 upgrade.

[glorgau]

> when were there significant aircraft losses in a battle.

Probably the best example in semi-recent history is from the Airpower Journal :

The BEKAA Valley Air Battle, June 1982: Lessons Mislearned?

[dp0622]

wow. I was 12. But still can’t believe i’ve never heard about this war.

I know the others. The six day war etc.

Thanks for the great read.

87 Syrian Jets lost and not ONE Israeli Jet??

seems almost impossible.

wow.

Imagine what we could do to these characters.