Moscow is to sell at least 10 more RAC MiG-29 fighters to existing operator Syria, according to Russian sources.
It is unclear when deliveries will take place, or whether the deal will include new or refurbished aircraft. However, Russian media reports suggest the fighters involved in the transaction will be MiG-29M2 examples (two-seat trainer version pictured below).
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RAC MiG |
In recent years the Syrian and Russian governments have reached agreements that have covered the acquisition by Damascus of advanced S-300 long-range surface-to-air missile systems.
The Syrian air force already operates MiG-29s as part of its combat inventory, with Flightglobal's MiliCAS database reporting up to 48 as being in its operational fleet. Sources suggest that many have suffered from maintenance problems due to a severe lack of spare parts.
A fresh sale of combat aircraft for use by the Syrian forces is likely to attract criticism from nations opposing the regime of president Bashar al-Assad.
Source: Flight International
