Russian Navy to receive 12 Su-30SM fighters

19.08.2011 Corporation Irkut will deliver 40 multirole fighters Su-30SM to Russian defense ministry within the nearest few years, reports Interfax citing the corporation's president Alexei Fedorov.

"State Arms Program plans the deliveries of those airplanes to start in 2013. Perhaps, we'll hand over a couple of them next year to complete state tests, and hopefully, serial deliveries would start since 2013", added Fedorov.

State Arms Program 2011-2020 provides procurement of 28 fighters Su-30SM for Air Force and 12 same aircrafts for Navy. "We have almost settled all technical aspects with defense ministry", said Fedorov adding that defense ministry had earlier requested all information regarding the aircraft costs.

It was reported late in July 2011 that twelve Su-30SM fighters would join Black Sea Fleet aviation and replace obsolete front-line bombers Su-24 stationed at Gvardeysky air base in Crimea. Irkut plans to sign the aircraft delivery contract with Air Force in 2012. Apart from 28 Su-30SM fighters, that agreement would contain an option for other 12 aircrafts. It is planned to start Su-30SM flight tests late in 2011.