UAE reported to be in negotiations for Su-35s

Rostec announced at the Dubai air show that they are in negotiations with the UAE over the purchase of an undisclosed number of Su-35 aircraft.

DUBAI (Sputnik) – On November 8-12, Russia is presenting its aircraft and air defense systems at the Dubai Airshow in the UAE.
“Su-35 presentation here [at the airshow] is very good, and we are currently engaged in negotiations with the [United Arab] Emirates about the delivery of these aircraft,” Chemezov told journalists.

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a reply to: Zaphod58

I wonder if this is just a negotiating ploy for a better deal on some more Block 60 Vipers.

a reply to: justwanttofly

I don't think so. The Su-35 is a damn good aircraft. Add in Western systems, and it's going to get even better. Block 60 Vipers, and Westernized Su-35s would be a hell of a potent force for anyone to deal with.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Yea. Sukhoi! Canards and thrust vectoring. Awesome.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Too bad they couldn't wait around for some SE's.

a reply to: Phage

No canard on the -35 though.

a reply to: Sammamishman

What? No canards? I'm bummed.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Would be quite the red air asset at Nellis.

a reply to: Phage

No canards, but it's a beautiful airplane.

a reply to: Zaphod58

If it's a Sue, it has to be.

Arguably one of the prettiest camo schemes I've seen to date.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Just saw this today on Saudi news ... sweet looking set of wings !

( some of the other offerings at the Dubai air show looked like avi-pr0n too ! )

a reply to: Timely

Dubai is one of the big shows. Last year there were some huge announcements made there. This year was much quieter, but some really interesting things popped up.

If they develope it properly and bring the rest of the defence force up to spec they may be seen as a heavy hitter in the region..

a reply to: Blackfinger

They already are. They fly the most advanced F-16 of anyone in the world. They're one of the best trained air forces in the region as well.

The Block 60 Viper is half a generation ahead of the Block 50/52 the US flies. They use the F110-GE-132, which produces over 3,000 pounds more thrust than the -129, it has conformal fuel tanks, AN/APG-80 AESA radar, AN/ASQ-32 IFTS carried internally, JHMCS, and IEWS.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Not to mention the political implications. Russia taking the dominant role in the ME against Isis and now this. Sends a message to D.C.. not a very good one either....

a reply to: nwtrucker

They won't take over the ME. The negotiations are still very early. Kuwait is close to announcing a large F-18 buy, as well as a Typhoon buy. The West will still have a huge presence in the region.

a reply to: Zaphod58

Hmmm, they're covering all the bases, aren't they....

Who are they defending themselves from with all this airpower, I wonder?

a reply to: nwtrucker

They're replacing older aircraft. Kuwait is still flying only C/D Hornets. The UAE has the Block 60 F-16, and Mirage 2000s, 30 ordered new in 98 and 33 upgraded. They need to modernize.

a reply to: nwtrucker

They are also just a stone's throw from Iran and hot spot Yemen, plus no one really trusts each other over there.