China to buy Lada-class subs, Su-35 fighters from Russia
Deal for four Lada-class boats and 24 Su-35 planes is largest buy from Moscow in a decade, and seen as a sign of growing strategic ties
China has signed an agreement with Russia to buy 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and four Lada-class submarines in its biggest weapons purchase from Moscow in a decade, state media reported yesterday.
China Central Television said the two countries had reached the framework agreement before President Xi Jinping started his maiden visit as head of state to Russia on Friday.
Antony Wong Dong, chairman of the Macau International Military Association, said yesterday that domestic and overseas military watchers had been keeping a close eye on the progress of the deal for the past few months.
"With such a concrete agreement, I expect the deal will be formally closed before the end of this year," said Wong, adding that the Russians would deliver the first batch of Su-35s to China no earlier than the end of next year.
With such a concrete agreement, I expect the deal will be formally closed before the end of this year
He said China lagged behind Russia in terms of aircraft-engine development. How Russia would protect its intellectual property rights regarding the Su-35's advanced 117S engine was another focal point for military watchers, especially after Beijing was accused of stealing engine technology from Su-27s years ago.
Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of the Canadian-based Kanwa Defence Review, had earlier suggested that the technology was not the significant part of the deal. More important was the strategic co-operation it showed between the two neighbouring military giants, especially with the United States making a strategic pivot towards Asia.