PLA signs preliminary deal for 24 Russian Su-35 jet fighters
Purchase of 24 Su-35s from Russia could be due to problems in developing suitable technology for China's own J-20, analysts say
A preliminary deal for the sale of 24 advanced Russian Su-35 jet fighters to the People's Liberation Army indicates the technological hurdles China faces in developing its own J-20, especially in terms of engine technology, military analysts say.
Mainland and Russian media reported last month that Beijing might purchase 24 Su-35s, an updated version of the fourth generation Su-27, for US$1.5 billion. The deal was first proposed by Moscow two years ago.
Beijing expressed interest in purchasing only four Su-35s last year, but that was rejected by Moscow, which had originally expected China to buy 48 planes, Moscow's Vedomosti business daily quoted an official from Russia's Federal Service for Military and Technical Co-operation as saying.
It also quoted Igor Korotchenko, head of the Russian Defence Ministry's public council, as saying Moscow also asked Beijing to sign an agreement not to make copies of the Su-35.
A Beijing-based PLA senior colonel, who requested anonymity, said: "We decided to buy the Su-35 because it's a fact that our home-made engines have failed to measure up to the Russian products."