Sukhoi reiterates its interest in contract

Published: 6/30/2000

As part of the ongoing effort to keep Russia in the frame for the replacement of the Australian F-111s and F/A-18s under the Air 6000 contract, timed to occur in distant 2020 and 2015 respectively, Sukhoi have offered the Australian Air Force an Su-35 and Su-32FN for extended trials. This is a recurrence of reports of an offer made earlier this year after presentations by Sukhoi and Rosvooruzhenie in Australia in November 1999. The effect of the offer, according to local media, has been to make Sukhoi serious contenders Sukhoi have also reiterated their desire to become involved with Australian producers in the future development of the aircraft. The initial offering involved the possible production of wings by Hawker De Havilland, but recent reports suggest that the Russians have also proposed cooperation on a long-range air-to-air missile.

Article ID: 1897