Russia plans to develop an export version of its Lightweight Frontline Fighter (LFI) first, with a view to using the aircraft as the basis of a variant for the Russian air force. Air force officials quoted in the local media outlined the plans, saying the two aircraft will have 60% commonality.
The decision is believed to have been forced on the Russian defence ministry by funding shortages. During initial development, a large portion of the funding is to be provided by the industrial sources and foreign investors. India has already agreed to join the programme, probably contributing financial and design resources, and it is possible the first version is aimed at meeting New Delhi's requirement.
The officials said the work on Russia's own LFI variant will not begin in earnest until 2008-9, but the export version should be available between 2010 and 2012.
Meanwhile, industry sources say initial proposals will be submitted by the three bidders - RSK MiG, Sukhoi and Yakovlev - in the first quarter of next year.
The eventual winner will build two flying demonstrators for concept approval and initial flight testing, followed by construction of a series of production prototypes. Full-scale production could lead to introduction after 2010.
Source: Flight International