Army 2018: Russia Signs $2 Billion Defense Contracts

The deals include the acquisition of 600 pieces of equipment, including 15 Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, and the modernization of 1,500 more

Army 2018: Russia Signs $2 Billion Defense Contracts

Su-57 fighter (Photo: AP)

The Russian defense ministry signed a total of 32 contracts with 20 Russian manufacturers during the Army 2018 military-technical forum. The deals, valued at over 130 billion rubles (nearly $2 billion), include the acquisition of 600 pieces of equipment and the modernization of 1,500 more.

In a press briefing, deputy defense minister Alexei Krivoruchko said, “Fulfilment of these contracts will see the Russian armed forces taking the most modern weapons, with a focus on precision strike systems and munitions for them.”

According to AIN Online, the Russian defense ministry will take delivery of 15 Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets, with the first one due in 2019. Krivoruchko added that the aircraft has “gained some combat experience,” but did not specify in which arena.

Also speaking at the briefing, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) President Yuri Slyusar said that judging by their price-performance ratios, the Su-57 and MiG-35 represent the best solution in their classes.

“The Su-57 is a basic platform that will develop, undergo modernization, and re-engining. In the process, we will install more and more advanced systems, so as to expand the combat capabilities and functionality of the baseline aircraft,” said Slyusar. The Russian defense ministry has increased the workload for national industry, he stated, adding that the two advanced aircraft “have some export potential.”

The report adds that selected foreign guests were shown production models of both the Su-57 and MiG-35 in the hangars at Kubinka. A pair of Su-57 development prototypes flew from another airfield for a 10-minute flight performance over the base on the opening day of the event.