MOSCOW. Dec 22 (Interfax-AVN) - The Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aircraft Production Association (KnAAPO) has manufactured the first seven upgraded SU-27SM Flanker fighters to be fielded with the first Russian Air Force regiment, equipped with aircraft of this type.
"The official hand-over ceremony is to be held in Komsomolsk-on-Amur tomorrow, on December 23," Army General Vladimir Mikhailov, Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief, told Interfax-Military News Agency.
New aircraft will enter the inventory of the Dzemgi air regiment, headed by Colonel Alexei Zhidayev, he said.
He also noted that he would personally participate in signing the SU-27SM acceptance report. The hand-over ceremony will also be attended by Sukhoi Director General Mikhail Pogosyan, as well as officials of the aircraft and the defense industry.
Mikhailov pointed out that the SU-27SM modernization had resulted in providing the aircraft with an all-weather day/night capabilities, expanding its functions and the range of armament carried.
"The SU-27SM is capable of efficiently discharging missions employing air-to-surface precision guided munitions (PGM) and other organic weapons. At the same time the crew's efficiency is improved since the aircraft is fitted with a new cockpit management system, and is provided with better protection and survivability given heavy enemy air defenses," Mikhailov underlined.