Russia will have fifth-generation fighter in 2007-2010 - Deputy Commander, Air Force

LIPETSK. Dec 26 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia will have a fifth- generation fighter in 2007-2010, Lieutenant General Alexander Zelin, Deputy Commander of the Russian Air Force, told Interfax- Military News Agency Friday.

"Russia will have a multirole fifth-generation combat aircraft in 2007-2010," he said.

He said that in these years the aircraft will be tested and will become operational. According to the general, the head contractor for the program has been defined - Sukhoi Design Bureau - and the requirements specification has been issued.

He added that the Air Force, Russian Aviation and Space Agency, and Sukhoi Design Bureau have adjusted the R&D terms.

The general expressed hope that the defense industry would relatively soon make the new aircraft which will have stealth, multirole, and all-weather day/night capabilities.