Article Posted on : - Aug 28, 2013

Su-30MK. A Sukhoi photo

MOSCOW (BNS): Russia has emerged as the world's leading exporter of new multirole fighter jets, according to a Moscow-based research centre.

Russia was the market-leader for the supply of multirole fighter jets from 2009-2012 when calculated in terms of volume, a report by the 'Centre for the Analysis of the Global Arms Trade' said based on figures provided by State arms exporter Rosoboronexport.

RIA Novosti news quoting the Centre said, Russia supplied 224 new jets valued at about $9 billion in that four-year period.

The Centre however noted that Russia cedes its market-leading position to the United States if combat aircraft sales in that period are calculated in terms of value.

In the last decade Russia received orders for combat aircraft mainly from Asian countries including India, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. It also signed a deal with Venezuela to sell Su-30 fighters, the report said.

Most of the aircraft ordered have been Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 series jets, but some MiG-29 fighters and Yak-130 combat trainers have also been sold, the report quoting Rosoboronexport said.

According to the Centre, Russia is likely to maintain its leading position through 2016, based on predicted sales that include a potential deal with China for 24 Sukhoi Su-35 fighters, a new contract signed with Vietnam for 12 Su-30MK2s and a possible deal with Syria for 24 MiG-29M/M2s.