PLA tests may lead to more Russian fighters

THE People's Liberation Army (PLA) is testing its newly acquired fleet of Russian-made jet fighters, the Su-27s, at an air base near the border between Anhui and Jiangsu provinces.

Military analysts said Beijing had only acquired 24 of the state-of-the-art aircraft and was likely to try to buy additional ones from Moscow.

''Twenty-four is a small number and does not provide for economies of scale in areas like maintenance and servicing,'' a military analyst said.

''Moreover, for logistics reasons, only around 70 per cent of a fleet could be deployed in times of war.'' It is understood that Russian military and aviation experts are helping to train the Chinese pilots and technicians who will operate the Su-27s.

''Ideally, the Chinese would like to acquire the technology from the Russians to manufacture the Su-27s,'' another source said.

''However, since Moscow is desperate for hard currency, it is unlikely to agree to Chinese production under Russian licensing.'' The Chinese have also discussed the purchase of other Russian-made fighters, including MiG-29s.