(Indian Defence) Russia has acknowledged an Egyptian request to procure a squadron of MiG-35 advanced fighter aircraft, to include up to 24 fighter jets at a cost of $3 billion. Russian Aircraft Corp. is currently awaiting an initial order from the Russian Air Force to kick-start production by 2016. However, Moscow could try to secure an Egyptian order with an earlier model that could utilize the current production line for the new-built MiG-29M/M2. In February the arms package was agreed upon in principle between Egyptian Defense Minister Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Russian President Vladimir Putin during Sisi's visit to Moscow. Financial sources for the deal are unclear, particularly with the Saudi reluctance about Cairo's moving closer to Moscow. Relations between Riyadh and Moscow have deteriorated over Russian support to the Syrian regime. According to Russian industry sources, the arms package would include the MiG fighter jets, Mi-35 helicopters, air defense missile systems, coastal defense (shore-based anti-ship) missiles, as well as firearms and ammunition.
2014-04-23 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive