By IANS/RIA Novosti,
Zhukovsky (Russia) : Russia’s new stealth fighter jet, which is expected to make its first public appearance at the MAKS exhibition near Moscow Tuesday, will be the principal plane for both the Russian and Indian military, a top official says.
“The T-50 will be the newest main plane both for the Russian and Indian Air Force,” Mikhail Pogosyan, the head of Russia’s state-run United Aircraft corp (UAC), told reporters at the opening of the air show.
The Sukhoi T-50, also called the PAK FA, is meant to be a rival to the US F-22 Raptor. It made its maiden flight in the Russian Far East in January 2010.
India has helped Russia develop the new jet, and said recently it would cover 35 percent of the estimated $6 billion development costs.