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Russian Air Force to receive about 90 new aircrafts in 2012

According to the spokesman, next year it is planned to upgrade more than 10 MiG-31BM fighter jets to boost the “smartness” of onboard equipment and long-term performance

MOSCOW, November 22 (Itar-Tass) —— About 90 new or modernized aircrafts will go into service to Russia’s Air Force in 2012, Air Force spokesman Col. Vladimir Drik told Itar-Tass on Tuesday.

“In 2012, the Air Force’s combat strength will be boosted both through upgrading the existing aircrafts and through the purchase of new machines,” he said.

According to the spokesman, next year it is planned to upgrade more than 10 MiG-31BM fighter jets to boost the “smartness” of onboard equipment and long-term performance.

To reinforce the front-line aviation, up to ten Su-34 tactical bombers will be supplied to the Russian Air Force in 2012. “The Su-34 bomber’s characteristic feature is that it can be equipped with a wide range of weapons, including precision-guided weaponry,” Col. Drik said. Apart from that, ten Su-25SM attack planes capable of taking high-precision weapons will also go into service in 2012.

Moreover, the Air Force will get brand new Su-35C fighters. “The aircraft was demonstrated at the MAKS-2011 air show in Moscow’s Zhukovsky,” Drik said. “This aircraft can be classified as generation 4++.”

The spokesman also said that it is planned to supply the Russian army with more than 20 attack helicopters, such as the Mi-28H Night Hunter and the Ka-52 Alligator, and with overhauled Mi-35M helicopters.

“Apart from that, about 30 troop lift helicopters of the Mi-8 family, and five heavy Mi-26T helicopters will go into service,” Col Drik noted.