Pakistan and Russia discussing Su-35 combat jet deal | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Pakistan and Russia discussing Su-35 combat jet deal

Hindustan Times | By, New Delhi
Sep 18, 2015 11:48 AM IST

The country’s air force has discussed buying Su-35 ‘Flanker-E’ fighter aircraft from Russia in “potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries”, leading defence publication Jane’s reports on its website.

Close on the heels of a deal to supply Mi-35 attack helicopters, Pakistan has discussed the purchase of Su-35 combat jets from Russia--a move that is not expected to go down well in New Delhi.

A soldier takes a photograph of his colleague in front of a tank, on display in Peshawar. The country is in talks with Russia to buy an advanced fighter jet.(AP)
A soldier takes a photograph of his colleague in front of a tank, on display in Peshawar. The country is in talks with Russia to buy an advanced fighter jet.(AP)

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-35 ‘Flanker-E’ fighter aircraft from Russia in “potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries”, leading defence publication Jane’s reported on its website.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

An unnamed senior Pakistani government official confirmed the discussions. However, a final decision on the deal is yet to be made, the report said.

The Pakistan official was responding to Russian media reports that deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for the sale of an unspecified number of Su-35s.

The official said “it’s too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms”, but the discussions reflected “Russia’s willingness to sell advanced hardware (to) Pakistan despite Moscow’s longstanding ties with India”, the report said.

In August, Pakistan and Russia signed an agreement for the sale of four Mi-35M Hind E attack helicopters. Details about the deal, such as its value and the timeframe for the delivery of the helicopters, have not been made public.

Pakistani media reports suggested the helicopter deal was finalised when Pakistan Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif visited Russia in June. The deal has been perceived as a major shift by Russia, which was earlier reluctant to sell military hardware to Pakistan as it did not want to anger India, one of its biggest customers.

Russia also signed a military cooperation agreement with Pakistan during defence minister Sergei Shoigu’s visit to Islamabad in November last year.

Indian officials have said in the past that sales of Russian military hardware to Pakistan would amount to the crossing of a “red line”.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 22, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On