The fifth Sukhoi Su-27IB fighter-bomber variant of the basic Su-27 Flanker has been flown from Sukhoi's Novosibirsk production site. The Su-27IB(Su-34) programme remains one of the few Russian air force combat-aircraft projects still receiving state funding. The Su-27IB is earmarked to replace the Su-24 Fencer in the strike role.
Source: Flight International
The January incident at Ellsworth AFB resulted in the destruction of the $450 million bomber and a rare quadruple ejection of the crew, who were attempting to execute an instrument landing during poor weather.
Athens signed a long-sought letter of offer and acceptance with airframer Lockheed Martin covering 20 F-35 stealth fighters, with options for a further 20 jets.
The joint North American Aerospace Defense Command dispatched fighter aircraft from both the USA and Canada on 24 July to intercept a combined flight of bombers from Russia and China operating in international airspace around Alaska.
