Documents permitting export of Russia's Su-57 fighter jets almost agreed - source
MOSCOW. March 29 (Interfax) - Documents permitting the export of Russia's Sukhoi Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jet have almost been agreed, a Russian source told Interfax on Friday.
"The documents on the Su-57 are now at the final stage of consideration," he said.
It is a technical issue that has arisen because this plane has been named Su-57, he said.
"The plane that was earlier called T-50, PAK FA [Prospective Aircraft Complex of Frontline Aviation] had an export certificate," the source said.
Russia may officially present an export version of its Su-57 fifth-generation fighter during the Dubai Air Show in November, Janes reported on Thursday, citing Rostec Director for International Cooperation and Regional Policy Viktor Kladov.
"We believe that the Middle East is an attractive market for this aircraft," Kladov told a press conference at Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace (LIMA) 2019 exhibition in Malaysia.
Russia's Rostec and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) have submitted all necessary documents to the Russian government to obtain the permission to export the Su-57E fifth-generation aircraft. The Russian leadership is expected to make a relevant decision in the coming weeks, according to Janes.
The Su-57E may attract interest from India and China, Kladov said. China already received 24 Russian Su-35 multifunctional fighter jets, he said. Over the next two years, Beijing may decide to order another delivery of Su-35s manufactured jointly with China or to buy Russian-made fifth-generation fighter jets, he said.
"This may be another opportunity for the Su-57E," Kladov as saying.
Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said in an interview with Interfax on March 25 that the Su-57 airplane has a good prospect of being exported.