Su-27 in China
In 1996, a Russian-Chinese agreement was signed, on the basis of which the PRC could produce under license 200 Su-27SK fighters, which received the local designation J-11.
One of the most important decisions that led to a significant increase in the combat capabilities of Chinese military aviation was the purchase of Russian Su-27 fighters and their derivative modifications with even greater capabilities. This step determined the image of Chinese aviation for many years and linked strategically and economically the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation.
At the same time, this move greatly influenced the development of other designs, both derivatives of the Su-27 and ours, such as the J-20, if only because of the engines. In addition to the direct increase in the combat potential of Chinese military aviation, there was also, albeit indirectly and with the consent of Russia, the transfer of technologies and the search for completely new solutions, which accelerated the development of the aviation industry.
The PRC is in a rather difficult position and, unlike its neighbors, with whom relations are not always good, it can only use Russian technologies. Countries such as India, Taiwan, the Republic of Korea and Japan can use a much wider range of combat jet aircraft offered by all suppliers of this type of equipment in the world.
In addition, the backwardness of the PRC, which is being quickly eliminated in many areas of the economy, has encountered a serious obstacle in the form of a lack of access to turbojet engines, the production of which was mastered at the proper level by only a few countries. Despite intensive attempts to cover this area on its own (China Aircraft Engine Corporation, directly responsible for the development and production of engines in recent years, has 24 enterprises and about 10 employees exclusively engaged in work on aircraft power plants), the PRC is still remains highly dependent on Russian developments, and domestic power units, which should eventually be used on J-000 fighters, still suffer from serious problems and need to be improved.
True, the Chinese media reported on the end of dependence on Russian engines, but despite these assurances, at the end of 2016, a major contract was signed for the purchase of additional AL-31F engines and their modifications for the J-10 and J-11. J-688 fighter jets (contract value $399 million, 2015 engines). At the same time, the Chinese manufacturer of power units of this class stated that more than 400 WS-10 engines were produced in 24 alone. This is a large number, but it is worth remembering that despite the development and production of its own engines, China is still looking for proven solutions. Recently, however, it was not possible to obtain an additional batch of AL-35F41S engines (1C product) when purchasing 117 Su-20 multi-role fighters, which are most likely to be used by J-XNUMX fighters.
It must be remembered that only by purchasing the appropriate Russian engines, the PRC could start creating its own development versions of the Su-27 fighter and its later modifications, as well as start designing such a promising fighter as the J-20. This is what gave impetus to the creation of world-class domestic designs. It is also worth noting that the Russians themselves have had engine problems for some time now, and the target engines for the Su-57 (AL-41F1 and Zdielije 117) have also been delayed. It is also doubtful whether they will be able to get immediately to the PRC after they are put into production.
Despite ongoing research and development, Sukhoi aircraft will be the mainstay of Chinese military aviation for many years to come. This is especially true for naval aviation, which is dominated by Su-27 clones. At least in this area, aircraft of this type can be expected to remain in service for several decades. The situation is similar in the case of coastal naval aviation. The bases built on the disputed islands, thanks to the aircraft of the Su-27 family, will make it possible to push defense lines up to 1000 km forward, which, according to estimates, should provide a sufficient buffer to protect the territory of the PRC on the continent. At the same time, these plans show how far the country has come since the first Su-27s entered service and how these aircraft are helping to shape the political and military situation in the region.
First deliveries: Su-27SK and Su-27UBK
In 1990, China purchased 1 single-seat Su-20SK fighter and 27 two-seat Su-4UBK fighters for $27 billion. It was the first deal of its kind after a 30-year hiatus in Chinese purchases of Russian military aircraft. The first batch of 8 Su-27SK and 4 Su-27UBK arrived in China on June 27, 1992, the second - including 12 Su-27SK - on November 25, 1992. In 1995, China purchased another 18 Su-27SK and 6 Su -27UBK. They had an upgraded radar station and added a satellite navigation system receiver.
Direct purchases from a Russian manufacturer (all single-seat Chinese "twenty-sevenths" were built at the Komsomolsk plant on the Amur) ended with a 1999 deal, as a result of which the Chinese military aviation received 28 Su-27UBK. The delivery was carried out in three batches: 2000 - 8, 2001 - 10 and 2002 - 10.
Along with them, the Chinese also purchased medium-range air-to-air missiles R-27R and small R-73 (export versions). These aircraft, however, had limited ground-attack capabilities, although the Chinese insisted on acquiring aircraft with reinforced landing gear to ensure simultaneous operation with the maximum amount of bombs and fuel. Interestingly, part of the payment was made by barter; in return, the Chinese supplied Russia with food and light industry goods (only 30 percent of payment was made in cash).
