MOSCOW-(IDB) : Russia will soon start developing a prototype of an advanced
lightweight fighter jet to supplement fifth-generation T-50 aircraft, a
top government official said Wednesday.
The new aircraft is expected to be cheaper to produce and easier to
maintain, but should also possess combat capabilities and performance
characteristics comparable with those of heavy-class aircraft.
“The development of a light-class fighter has been included in the
current arms procurement program. It will be created,” said Deputy Prime
Minister Dmitry Rogozin, addressing the lower house of parliament.
Rogozin, who oversees the defense and space industries, said
light-class fighters were in greater demand abroad, compared to more
advanced heavy-class aircraft, such as Su-30 or the planned T-50 fighter
jets.
Russia is currently developing the heavy-class T-50 multirole fighter
aircraft, also known as PAK-FA, which will be the core of the country’s
future fighter fleet.
The T-50 is expected to enter service with the Russian air force in 2016.
Rogozin, who first voiced the idea of developing a second type of a
fifth-generation fighter in February 2012, said Wednesday that Russia
has always had at least two types of tactical fighters that in general
supplemented one another.
The latest example is a MiG-29/Su-27 pair.
Rogozin did not specify which of Russia’s two main designers of
combat jets – MiG or Sukhoi – will be assigned the development of the
future light-class fighter.
Source : RIA
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