Russian Defense Ministry did not drop idea to buy MiG-35 fighters - industry and trade minister
ZHUKOVSKY, Moscow region. Aug 24 (Interfax) - The Russian Defense Ministry may conclude a contract with the industrial sector on purchasing MiG-35 fighters during the MAKS-2013 air show, Russian Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov told journalists on Saturday.
"The Defense Ministry did not drop the idea to by MiG-35s. This purchase is planned within the planned state defense order parameters. This contract is being prepared for signature. Perhaps it might be ready for signature at MAKS," Manturov said.
The only issue with the contract is the time by which the fighters should be delivered, as the domestic aircraft manufacturing facilities are overloaded with contracts now, Manturov said. Therefore, "first deliveries [are expected] in 2015-2016," he said.