Fighter bomber sale to Malaysia cleared

The Russian side is prepared to fulfill the contract for the sale of 18 SU-30 fighter bombers to Malaysia. Viktor Komardin, deputy general director of RosDefenseExport, made the announcement today at a press briefing, Rosbalt reported. He said the Malaysian side has been informed that all necessary steps by Russia have been taken. The contract goes into effect when Malaysia makes an analogous declaration.

The contract for delivery of specially modified Russian SU-30 fighter bombers to the Malaysian Air Force was signed during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Malaysia in August 2003. In all, the contract calls for the delivery to Malaysia in the period through 2007 of 18 of the fighter bombers for a sum of USD 900 million. The purchase is part of Malaysia's program for modernizing its air force.