Russia to begin deliveries of Su-30 fighters to Malaysia

Russia will deliver the first two serial Su-30MKM fighters under a contract with the Royal Malaysian Air Force June 17, the Sukhoi aircraft manufacturer said Thursday.

In 2003, Russia signed a $900-million contract to supply the Asian country with 18 Russian multipurpose Su-30MKM air superiority fighters.

Malaysia currently operates a mixed fighter fleet, with the Russian MiG-29N Fulcrum, and the U.S.-made F/A-18D Hornet and F-5 Tiger.

The Su-30MKM is a multi-role Flanker variant based on the Su-30MKI model and features a customized avionics suite to meet Malaysian specifications.

The aircraft are being manufactured at the company's Irkustk plant in Siberia, and all deliveries will be completed in 2008, according to the contract.

The contract also stipulates the construction of a service center for the Russian aircraft in Malaysia, and Russia's assistance with the country's national space exploration program.

On Wednesday, the Kremlin press service reported that Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi would visit Russia June 18-21 at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20070614/67210427.html