The Russian Defense Ministry will initially receive six MiG-35 fighter jets according to advanced delivery schedule, President of the United Aircraft Corporation Yuri Slyusar told the Vedomosti newspaper.

A MiG-35 multirole fighter jet
(Credit: UAC)

"We plan to supply six MiG-35 at the initial stage. The first one will be delivered this year. We shall use MiG-35 to test the model of the so-called advanced supplies for the first time. It will keep the rhythm and decrease production costs, while the Defense ministry will get the new craft earlier than scheduled," he said.

Slyusar previously said the MiG-35 contract with the Defense Ministry can be signed in 2018. The Russian State test center in Akhtubinsk is likely to be the first to receive the aircraft. The Swifts aerobatic team currently operating MiG-29 is also likely to receive MiG-35.

The MiG-35 is the latest Russian multipurpose fighter jet of generation 4++ which is a further development of MiG-29K/KUB and MiG-29M/M2 family. Its flight tests began on January 26, 2017. It has improved flight characteristics and the latest electronic equipment and can engage guided air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles.