"MOSCOW, August 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's Defense Ministry and the Sukhoi aircraft maker signed on Tuesday a 80 billion ruble ($2.5 billion) contract, the Russian prime minister said.
Under the contract signed at the MAKS-2009 air show at Zhukovsky outside Moscow, the Russian Air Force will buy 48 Su-35S, 12 Su-27SM and four Su-30M2 fighter jets.
Vladimir Putin said the contract "sets a record in modern Russian history," adding that aircraft deliveries were to be completed by 2015.
He also said the Russian government would provide an additional $100 million to Sukhoi's capital from the federal budget.
The head of Vnesheconombank (VEB), Vladimir Dmitriyev, said the national development bank would grant Sukhoi a 3.5 billion-ruble ($109 million) loan to start production of Su-35 jets.
The Su-35 fighter, powered by two 117S engines with thrust vectoring, combines high maneuverability and the capability to effectively engage several targets simultaneously.
It is equipped with a 30-mm cannon with 150 rounds, and can carry up to eight metric tons of combat payload on 12 external mounts.
Russia's Air Force commander, Col. Gen. Alexander Zelin, said in July that up to three air regiments would be equipped with Su-35 fighters in the future.
Russia also plans to export at least 160 Su-35 fighters to several countries including India, Malaysia and Algeria."Guys, i have to be honest, right now my heart is beating at 200 BPM and i´m just full of the most extreme joy.
This news is the confirmation that the Su-35BM, my favorite plane, won´t be just another failed project like the Su-37.
To Webby: Once again, you were absolutely right, its the Su-27SM and not the Su-27M, the other news had a typo.
P.S: I would love to hear from tigershark right now, we had several discussion about the Su-35BM and its future, if he was here he would probably be congratulating me for being right, i really miss him now