Pakistan is looking to strengthen its air defense system by procuring advanced Russian defense tech. Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed the news saying Islamabad and Russia are holding talks over the purchase of the Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker-E fighter jet, the T-90 main battle tanks (MBT) and the air defense system.
No Specific Date
The minister didn’t specify any date as to when the purchase will be made. He did, however, tell that the negotiations are underway and it will be a long-term contract over the span of a few years.
Talking about the T-90 tanks, Khurram Khan told;
We are interested in tanks T 90, and it is not going to be a one time purchase, but it is going to be a long term commitment.
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Khan mentioned that negotiations for SU-35 are in early stages and both countries may reach a deal over the purchase of the jet in next few years.
The minister added;
The air defence system is another kind of weaponry in which we are interested in … we are negotiating, and when we complete it, we will be able to announce it.
The defense relations between Russia and Pakistan started back in 2014 when both countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). In 2015, Pakistan ordered four Russian Mi-35M assault helicopters at an estimated cost of $153 million. All four helicopters were delivered to Pakistan Army in 2017.
None of this is going to happen after india starts objecting. India is russias largest defence purchaser.
India objected at the training it happened it objected the Helicopters sale that as well happened. IMO this will happen as well
Russia is slowly opening towards Asian countries because of the pressure from EU and US, she needs new allies (Iran, Turkey;see recent agreements between the two, Pakistan,India and China)
Right now global politics is very volatile so anything can happen
for your information we already got 3 anti Apache helicopters from Russia already
Su 35 is not a good deal for Pakistan. They are expensive to fly and maintain. India has got better deal in shape of Rafale. Rafale is a superior fighter. I wish Pakistan had better relations with the West and could equip with better tools.
Skills of the pilots means much more than the jet itself.
This is world of technology dear. Pilot skill come in effect if technology of jet is matching. Good thing about Russians is that they may agree to transfer technology at later stage.
agreed with with “abo” as our fighter wins dog fight f-16 vs f-35
Pakistan can never have good relations with west as west/US are biased and their preferences are based on their economic, geo-political and other interests, fears.
agreed but we dont have choice as you see we out of arm aid with Americans