Russia wants to sell the remaining 6 Su-30Ks, should Vietnam buy them back?

Russia's Kommersant newspaper said Moscow is looking for a partner to buy the remaining 6 Su-30K fighters after completing the contract with Angola.

As is known, the Russian arms import-export company Rosoboronexport signed a contract with Angola in October 2013 to supply 12 used Su-30K fighter jets returned by India. All of these fighter jets are currently at the 558th Aircraft Repair Plant in Belarus and are owned by the Irkut Corporation.

The progress of the overhaul is very slow. It will not be until February this year that the first upgraded Su-30K will be tested. The possibility of delivering the full quantity according to the contract with the deadline in 2017 is difficult to complete.

Therefore, although Russia has offered to buy the remaining 6 aircraft, it is difficult for Angola to agree, so the Russians have proactively sought a new partner, despite Rosoboronexport's statement that the negotiation process is only a matter of time.

The first Su-30K fighter repaired by Factory 558 conducted a test flight.

Many experts question whether Vietnam should buy the remaining Su-30Ks to quickly strengthen its forces because at this time some air force units are not fully staffed.

After the Su-30MK2 with serial number 8585 crashed last year, the 923rd Regiment's formation is missing a position. In addition, the 925th Regiment is also having to bring 2 Su-27SK fighter jets to Factory A32 to "join" the aircraft with serial number 6005 to extend its service life, causing the number of combat-ready aircraft to decrease.

Adding 6 Su-30K fighters will be the fastest solution to fill the gap. Vietnam probably doesn't need to ask Belarus for an overhaul because we have completely mastered the technology to repair the Su-27 (Su-30K or T-10PK has a structure and components almost identical to the Su-27).

The remaining operating life of the Su-30K before it is required for a mandatory overhaul is estimated to be about 10 years, just enough time for all Su-27s to return to service, after which it will be their turn to go on the service life extension line.

If Russia still keeps the selling price of 15 million USD for an aircraft or even cheaper, it is not a bad idea for Vietnam to consider buying it back.

According to Baodatviet