China To Receive First Batch of Su-35 Fighters By 2018

Russia is likely to deliver the first batch of Su-35 fighters to China between 2017 and 2018, if the contract is signed this year, according to Kanwa Defense Review.

Russia has decided to sell only 24 Su-35 fighters to China. Since some of those fighters will be deployed to the tactical training center in Guangzhou, according to the report fewer than 24 Su-35s are going to serve with frontline units of the PLA Air Force.

Three frontline units of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force may receive Su-35 fighters due to their experience of operating the Su-30Mkk fighters. The units are the 9th regiment of the 3rd Division, the 85th Regiment of the 29th Division and the 54th Regiment of the 18th Division.

Meanwhile, Su-30MKKs from those three regiments are likely to be transferred to other air force units.