MOSCOW. May 24 (Interfax-AVN) - The Irkut Corporation is capable of supplying an additional batch of Sukhoi Su-30MKI multi-role fighter jets to India if order is placed, Rosoboronexport Deputy General Director Alexander Mikheyev told Interfax-AVN.
"If India makes a decision, it will be found, because the plane has proven its worth, there is licensed production and service centers, and personnel have been trained," he said.
The Irkut Corporation is ready to fulfill the possible order, Mikheyev said.
"The plant is working. The licensed production is on, and Su-30MKI sets are being supplied. I am sure they [the plant] can fulfill another order. We would welcome that," he said.
A high-ranking source in the Indian Foreign Ministry told Interfax-AVN earlier that they were drafting a contract for the delivery of an additional 42 Su-30MKI to India.
"Bearing in mind the need to build up the Indian Air Force's potential, military commanders have decided to order another 42 Su-30MKI from Russia," he said.
Negotiations have begun. Rosoboronexport and Irkut are representing Russia at the negotiations.
"The contract may be signed within several months," he said.
The source refused to say how much the Indian Defense Ministry was willing to pay for the extra jets. Experts evaluate the deal at about $2 billion.