Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yuri Borisov has revealed the expected number of aircraft deliveries for 2017.
Throughout this past week, Deputy Defense Minister Borisov made several visits to Russian military production facilities, primarily focusing on aircraft (but also touching on shipbuilding). Alongside these visits, he detailed the number of aircraft that the Russian Aerospace Forces will receive this year.
By the end of 2017, the Russian Aerospace Forces will receive 10 Su-35S fighter jets, 17 Su-30SM jets, 16 Su-34 fighter bombers, and 10 Yak-130 trainers, according to Deputy Defense Minister Borisov.
He also noted that four Su-27s will be modernized to a standard comparable to the Su-35.
The Yak-152, a trainer aircraft, should begin serial production in 2017 (possibly this month), according to the Deputy Defense Minister. The Ministry of Defense may place an order for three before the end of the year.
Additionally, Deputy Defense Minister Borisov stated that the Russian military industry will begin a modernization program for the Su-34 in 2018. He did not specify exactly what upgrades the fighter bomber would be receiving, other than that it will receive new weapon systems.
Moreover, Deputy Defense Minister Borisov stated that Russia expects to receive three PAK FA fifth-generation fighter jets in 2017, for the military to put through testing ahead of planned serial production.
This figure differs from previous expectations of five PAK FA jets being delivered in 2017. It is unclear where the discrepancy comes from; the previous figure was stated by Russian Aerospace Force Commander Viktor Bondarev.
Regardless, the stealth jet is still expected to be included in the State Armament Program for 2018-2025, according to Deputy Defense Minister Borisov, along with the MiG-35. Russia is currently working on the SAP, with an expectation that it will be released by mid-2017.
Military markets analyst, covering Eurasia, Middle East, and Africa.
