Sensing UAE Deal, Russia to Fly Su-35 Fighter Jet at Dubai Air Show

Russia will be exhibiting its Su-35 fighter jet at the Dubai Air Show next week signaling progress in its talks to sell some 12-18 jets to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Dubai show organizers have confirmed that the Su-35 will participate in the flying displays as well as be present in the static presentation. The Su-35 is sure to vow the audience with its super-maneuverable flying and fearsome reputation for combat.

Various sources told defenseworld.net that the Su-35 deal with the UAE is at the “pre-contract negotiation stage,” which could mean that the there are no commitments on either side as yet but an intent to take the discussion forward.

Its ability to carry some 8000 Kg payload and stay in the air longer than any aircraft currently in service with the UAE is said to have sparked the Gulf country’s interest. The Su-35 is believed to be undergoing customization for operations in the Middle East based on its battlefield experience in Syria.

Last month, TASS news agency had reported quoting a Russian source that the UAE was in line to purchase more than a squadron of Su-35 Flanker-Es, typically between 12 and 18 aircraft. Russian sources had indicated interest from the UAE during the 2016 IDEX show and talks are believed to have been initiated even before that.

“They want a lot, over a squadron,” the individual, who reportedly deals in military and technical cooperation for the Russian government, said, according to TASS. “The exact number will be specified in the course of negotiations that may be held in November during an air show in Dubai.”

The most definite indication of UAE’s interest in the SU-35 came In April this year when the Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov said that the UAE had received technical documentation and information for assessing the Su-35.

The Su-35 has been tasting export success in recent times. Following export of Su-35 jets to China last year, a deal is expected to be signed with Indonesia before the year-end.