MOSCOW - Russia has scored a direct hit. According to reports out of Russia, four new build Sukhoi Su-30SM have been delivered to the Kazakhstan Air Force, and this is only the first phase out of a much larger order.
Over the coming years, Kazakhstan is expected to take delivery of a total of 36 Su-30SM fighter jets. While this is a momentous order for Sukhoi, it may be a better one for electronics manufacturer V. Tikhomirov NIIP. The "Research Institute," which also functions as a factory, will supply its Bars radar for Kazakhstan's fighters. In the end, the total radar portion of the contract will carry an estimated $85 million to $100 million in value.
Alongside, the Irbis-E radar used on board the Su-35 fighter, the Bars system is one of V. Tikhomirov's most important products. By ensuring an order from outside its existing customer pool, the company will be assured of a much broader funding base, leading to longer-term support and a more stable development environment.
Currently, the Su-35 is finding it difficult to secure sales abroad, putting the Irbis-E in service with only a very small operator pool. China has displayed interest in the aircraft, but Russia will be hesitant to sell to the country that has previously reverse-engineered other Sukhoi products. With Irbis-E struggling to secure orders, Bars, therefore, may be V. Tikhomirov's most important radar currently for sale.
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