Bangladesh and Thailand have revealed procurement wishlists for Russian weapons, including Sukhoi Su-30 series fighters. Thailand, however, has dropped its requirement for Mil Mi-17 series helicopters, previously cited as high-priority items.
Victor Komardin, deputy director of Russian state arms export agency Rosoboronexport, says Indonesia has also filed an official request for additional Su-30s, following recent delivery of two Su-27SK and Su-27KI fighters and two Mi-35M helicopters. Indonesian sources say 10 more Sukhoi fighters could be procured. Rosoboronexport has also resumed talks with the Philippines on purchases of ex-Russian air force equipment, which may include MiG-29 fighters.
Komardin denies the Su-30MK has been excluded from the shortlist for Singapore's fighter requirement, saying the aircraft "remains very much in consideration". He also says that, despite selection of the Boeing F-15K in South Korea, "there is still a chance" for Sukhoi, which had offered Su-35 fighters and Su-80 turboprop transports.
In September Seoul and Moscow signed agreements on outstanding debts of $2.6 billion, clearing the way for deliveries of weapons worth $700 million. Kamov general designer Sergei Mikheyev says "all conditions have now been met" for deliveries of new helicopters, modified to include a glass cockpit and with longer time-between-overhauls for airframe and power plant. Kamov is also offering the Ka-52K battlefield helicopter to South Korea.
Source: Flight International