A batch of Su-34 fighter-bombers will serve in the Russia Air Force this year, said Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sergey B. Ivanov at a press conference held in Beijing.

Ivanov said the Su-34 fighter-bombers fully meet requirements of the Russian Air Force. "The fighter-bombers are 4+ class," Mr. Ivanov said.

Answering the question about the possibility for China to purchase the fighter, Mr. Ivanov said he cannot rule out such possibility. If China is interested, the two countries can hold negotiations, he added.

As asked if there is a possibility for China to join Russia in the development of the 5th generation fighter, Mr. Ivanov said, "I don't rule out such possibility in a long-term." "There is still a long way to go in this regard. A series of economic and legal problems should be resolved before that. For example, Russia and China have not signed agreements regarding IPR protection so far," he added.

By People's Daily Online