Russia-China fighter plane deal on hold

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MOSCOW, April 17 (UPI) -- China's refusal to buy a large quantity of Russian Su-35 fighter planes has held up a smaller sale of the planes, a Russian arms exporter said Tuesday.

The state-controlled arms exporter Rosoboronexport did not say how many of the fighter planes it wanted to sell nor how many China had agreed to buy, RIA Novosti reported.

"We have been promoting the Su-35 fighter on the Chinese market," Rosoboronexport deputy chief Viktor Komardin said.

"However, China only wants to buy a limited number [of aircraft] whereas we want [to sell] a large consignment to make [the deal] economically viable."

Negotiations on the possible sale have been going on more than 1 1/2 years.

Rosoboronexport also said it's close to a contract with Malaysia on delivery of Kornet anti-tank missile systems and portable anti-aircraft missiles, RIA Novosti said.

Russia, Komardin said, also is prepared to sell Malaysia a license to build Molniya-class guided missile-boats and Mirazh-class patrol boats.