Pakistan in talks with Russia to buy Sukhoi jets

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Sukhoi-35 ‘Flanker-E’ fighter aircraft from Russia in potentially the largest defence deal between the two countries, but a final decision is yet to be made.
A senior Pakistani government official has confirmed to IHS Jane’s that such discussions have taken place.
The official was responding to Russian media reports that Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov had said talks were underway for an unspecified number of Su-35s, which follow a recent agreement to provide Mi-35M ‘Hind E’ attack helicopters to Islamabad.
While the official said “it’s too early to say if a deal will conclude and the terms”, the fact that discussions have taken place shows Russia’s willingness to sell advanced hardware with Pakistan despite Moscow’s longstanding ties with India.