Pakistan Wants Top-Of-The-Line Fighter Jets From Russia

A senior Pakistani official has confirmed Russian media reports that the two countries have discussed a potential deal on the Su-35. Source: Sukhoi

IHS Jane's 360: Pakistani official confirms Su-35 talks

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has discussed buying Su-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 .

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.

WNU Editor: For a country that is poor and has an infrastructure that is falling apart while at the same time it is battling an insurgency war against radical militants .... this is a very expensive shift in priorities for Pakistan. And what makes this entire deal questionable is that this fighter jet will not change the dynamics in the war against radical militants, nor will it help in addressing the country's deep economic and social problems .... but I guess the altitude is so what .... as long as it provokes an arms race against India and it makes the Pak Generals feel good that they have these advanced planes in their arsenal .... this is a deal that must then be pursued.