Russia negotiating with more than 30 countries over sales of its MiG-35s

Russia is targeting export sales of at least $10 billion for the new MiG-35, the country’s most advanced jet fighter, as it prepares to offer the aircraft commercially from next year.

Negotiations are underway with more than 30 countries that fly the older MiG-29 about upgrading their existing fleets or adding extra planes, Ilya Tarasenko, Director General of Russian Aircraft Corp. MiG, said Tuesday, putting a value to sales ambitions for the plane for the first time, according to Bloomberg.

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The export target for the aircraft, which is undergoing tests, doesn’t include anticipated cash flow from related maintenance contracts and post-warranty support, Tarasenko said in an interview at the Dubai air show.

Speaking through an interpreter, he added that the MiG-35’s range, greater weapons load and reduced radar signature make it ideal for Middle Eastern countries.

The aircraft is a development of the MiG-29 and, outside Russia, has so far won orders from Egypt.

An earlier iteration of the model missed out on a major order from India, though plans to market the plane there to meet additional requirements have been revived.