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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, January 16, 2003

Russian Air Force to Upgrade 20 Su-27s in 2003

The Russian Air Force will continue to focus on upgrading its fleet this year, while the defense industry develops the next generation of warplanes for the military, senior commanders said Wednesday.


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The Russian Air Force will continue to focus on upgrading its fleet this year, while the defense industry develops the next generation of warplanes for the military, senior commanders said Wednesday.

The industry will upgrade some 20 Su-27 interceptors into fourth-plus generation multipurpose warplanes for the air force this year, air force chief Alexander Mikhailov said at a news conference.

He did not specify the designation of the upgraded planes; previously, the air force singled out the Su-27I/B and the Su-30KN as the most promising fourth-plus generation projects.

Mikhailov said up to 25 percent of the air force's tactical aviation fleet will be upgraded in 2002-06.

By then, the Sukhoi design bureau should have a fifth-generation tactical fighter ready for a maiden flight, Mikhailov said. Serial production of this aircraft, which should be capable of attacking both surface and airborne targets in all weather conditions around the clock, is to begin by 2010, he said.

Some Mi-24 helicopters will also be upgraded this year, Mikhailov said.

In addition to upgrading and developing planes, the air force will also finance the completion of the S-400 air defense system this year, air force chief of staff Boris Cheltsov said in an interview.

Source: Agencies






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