Article Posted on : - Feb 13, 2014

Su-30SM multi-role fighter. Photo: Irkut press-service

SINGAPORE (BNS): Aircraft manufacturer Irkut Corporation will deliver 21 more Sukhoi Su-30SM multirole fighter jets to the Russian Air Force this year.

The Ministry of Defence and Irkut have signed separate contracts on the delivery of 65 Su-30SM fighters by 2016, a RIA Novosti report said.

Irkut has delivered 16 Su-30SM planes so far. "An additional 21 aircraft will be supplied this year," the report quoting Irkut Corporation President, Oleg Demchenko who is participating at the Singapore Air Show, said.

The first contract for 30 Su-30SMs was signed in March 2012.

The Russian Air Force received the first two Su-30SM aircraft in November 2012. In December, a new contract was signed for an additional 30 jets.

The Su-30SM is the latest development of the twin-seat Su-30 jet fighter family, a derivative of the long-serving single-seat Sukhoi Su-27.

The new aircraft reportedly has better radar and communications capabilities, an improved friend-or-foe system, a new ejection seat and new weapons.

It also has thrust-vectoring engine nozzles, providing super-maneuverability at low airspeeds, it added.