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China to Buy Su-33 Carrier-Based Fighters from Russia?

17-Nov-2006 10:46 EST

Related Stories: Asia - China, Contracts - Intent, Fighters & Attack, New Systems Tech, Other Corporation, Rumours, Russia, Surface Ships - Combat

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AIR_SU-33_Carrier_Launch.jpg
SU-33 carrier launch
(click for SU-33 3-view)

Near the end of October, Russia’s Kommersant newspaper revealed that Russian state-run weapon exporter Rosoboronexport is completing negotiations with China to deliver up to 48 Sukhoi SU-33 (NATO codename: Flanker-D) carrier-capable fighter aircraft in a purchase deal reportedly worth $2.5 billion. The SU-33 is a variant of Sukhoi’s SU-27 Flanker with forward canards, foldings wings, an arrester hook, a reinforced structure, and other modifications that help it deal with carrier operations and landings.

At present, reports regarding the sale and China’s aircraft carrier intentions both remain somewhat murky. What is not in doubt, however, is that China has expressed interest and is presently in negotiations to acquire these aircraft…

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SU-33s: folded, landing
(click to view full)

SinoDefence.com reports that China will spend $100 million to buy two Su-33 fighters from Komsomolsk-on-Amur Production Association for ‘trial and evaluations,’ with delivery expected in 2007-08. Reports claim there is also an agreed option for another 12 Su-33 fighters, with the potential for the deal to grow to 48 SU-33s and $2.5 billion. They add that China’s Dalian Shipyard is currently refitting the ex-Soviet Navy aircraft carrier Varyag, acquired in extremely poor condition from the Ukraine in 1999.

In a follow-up November 1 article, official Russian new agency RIA Novosti has described the negotiations as “at a preliminary stage.” That same article also noted that Alexander Denisov, who headed Russia’s delegation at Airshow China 2006, said that Russia is ready to help China design an aircraft carrier if asked.

SHIP_CV_Varyag_Under_Renovation_Deck.jpg
Varyag, under renovation
(click to view larger)

The PLA Navy has made contradictory statements regarding its wish to have an operational aircraft carrier, but most expert observers believe they are working on a program to do so. Assurances that the Varyag is destined to be a floating hotel do appear somewhat at variance with the PLAN paint job – the question is whether the Chinese believe they can bring it up to operational status, or are simply using the ship as a learning platform in preparation for their own construction efforts later.

Additional Readings & Sources

  • Aeronautics.RU – Sukhoi SU-33. Include more details than the Sukhoi page.
  • VaryagWorld.com. An enthusiast site that trace the history of the Varyag and continues to follow developments related to the ship. Lots of pictures and links.