Russian Aircraft Remains Favorite of Brazilian Air Force Equipment Purchase Tender

Brazilian Defense Minister Jose Viegas declared that the tender to buy 12 fighters for the country's air force would be resumed in 2004. The decision is motivated by a lack of governmental funds to implement welfare programs. The contract to purchase new fighters is estimated at 700 million dollars.

The Russian SU-35 aircraft is one of the tender's favorites. According to assessments by Brazilian pilots and military experts, the plane outstrips its main competitors in all performance characteristics. The main rival of the Sukhoi fighter in the tender is the Mirage 2000-5BR of joint French-Brazilian make.