Russia has finally approved the sale of 48 advanced Su-35BM fighters to China after several years of negotiations on issues related to confidentiality of technical data.
The Su-35BM is the most advanced derivative of the Su-27S series, has a more robust airframe that allows as many as 6,000 flight hours along with better maneuverability and improved reliability.
It has been reported that China hopes to obtain the aircraft's 117S engine, designed by Russian firm NPO Saturn, for use in its air force and navy.
It is still unclear whether China would get the fully overhauled electric equipment. However, Russia displayed its brand new 117S engines in November at Airshow China in Zhuhai, indicating the two countries have reached a tacit agreement regarding the sale.
Russia is currently trying to use every means at its disposal to prevent China from producing unauthorized copies of its military products, including a Chinese version of the Russian Su-37 fighter.
Read the full story at Want China Times