Russian Air Force could get 60 Su-family jet fighters by 2015

"Contracts have been drafted to supply 48 Su-35, four Su-30M2 and 12 Su-27M fighters by 2015. They are expected to be signed on the opening day of the air show," a Russian defense industry source said on Monday.

According to open sources, the cost of a Su-35 fighter, billed as "4++ generation using fifth-generation technology," is estimated at up to $1.4 billion.

The Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several air targets simultaneously using both guided and unguided missiles and weapon systems.

Russia also plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries including India, Malaysia and Algeria.

Meanwhile, the MAKS-2009 air show, which opens on August 18 at the Zhukovsky airfield southeast of Moscow, has been overshadowed by a mid-air collision of two Su-27 fighters from Russia's elite aerobatics group Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) on Sunday.

The commander of the group, Col. Igor Tkachenko, was killed in the accident, while two other pilots and five civilians were severely injured; Kazinform cites RIA Novosti. See www.en.rian.ru for full version.