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Sukhoi has commenced serial production of the Su-57 fighter, states a report by Russian news agency TASS, citing deputy prime minister Yuri Borisov.

Borisov said that a deal for 76 examples was signed between the defence ministry and Sukhoi at Russia’s Army 2019 exhibition, which was held in Moscow in late June.

"A state contract was signed at the Army 2019 international arms exhibition between the Defense Ministry of Russia and the Sukhoi Company for the delivery of a batch of Su-57 fifth-generation fighter jets. Sukhoi has started to fulfil its contractual obligations," he is reported as saying.

The first aircraft could reach the air force by the end of 2019.

In May, Russian president Vladimir Putin committed to a significant expansion of the Sukhoi Su-57 fleet operated by the country’s air force.

During a meeting with defence chiefs and industry representatives on 15 May, Putin said the air force required three full regiments equipped with the Su-57 by 2028. At that time, Moscow was contracted to buy just 16 examples by 2027.

Sukhoi was able to reduce costs by 20%, however, and an agreement was reached to obtain 76 aircraft.

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