Russia to sell 24 Su-35 aircraft to China

A Su-35 prototype conducts tests in Russia

Delivery of the multirole aircraft could begin from 2015, and Beijing is reportedly still committed to purchasing a total of 48 

In a reversal of a decision made earlier this year, Moscow has agreed to sell 24 Sukhoi Su-35BM fighter aircraft to China for an estimated US$1.5 billion, a sale that will further shift the balance of power in the air over the Taiwan Strait. 

Russia’s Rosoboronexport and the Chinese Ministry of National Defense are said to have reached a preliminary agreement, with details discussed during a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday between Russian Minister of Defense Sergey Shoygu and Chinese President Hu Jintao (胡錦濤). Hu was accompanied by General Xu Qiliang (許其亮), who was appointed one of the two vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission during the 17th session of the seventh plenary conference earlier this month. 

The 24 aircraft will come equipped with the 117S engine designed by Russian firm NPO Saturn, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported. 

My article, published today in the Taipei Times, continues here.