Hongjian
Posts: 834
Joined: 1/2/2015 Status: offline
|
True, this is why the Su-35 saga has been ongoing for at least 4 years now, and only after the sanctions, the negotiations have been progressing. Before, Russia wanted to sell at the very least 48, if not over 100, and with no concessions in terms of avionics, or any TOT. Though, the Russians were always interested in Su-35 sales to China, even before 2009 when the Su-35 was still in development and the J-11B first appeared, creating that dispute about licence agreement. The J-11B dispute didnt really deter Sukhoi from marketing the Su-35 (and the Su-27SKM as well) to China, as an alternative to China's desire to upgrade the previously imported Su-27SK/J-11A to the B-standard. Still, 2+ billion USD for 24 planes isnt a drop in a bucket, and I strongly believe that it comes with full customer after-care and a contract for further engine deliveries as well. But China has also saved over 100 billion USD because of the oil-price drop as well, so that wont hurt so much.
< Message edited by Hongjian -- 11/19/2015 5:36:25 PM >
|