Russia will supply first four Su-35 jets to China by the end of this year in accordance with the contract signed last year.

“The first four Su-35 jets will be supplied to China this year,” a source in military-technical cooperation sphere told TASS news agency.

The source noted that more jets will be supplied to China in the next two years.

Moscow and Beijing signed a contract last year on delivery of 24 Su-35 jets to China worth at least $2 billion. China was the first foreign country to purchase this new generation aircraft. A source in the military-technical cooperation sphere previously told TASS that the contract will be fulfilled in three years.

The United Instrument Manufacturing Corporation (part of State Corporation Rostec) told TASS earlier that they already started manufacturing communications systems for Su-35 that will be supplied to China.

The Su-35 is a highly upgraded 4++-generation super-maneuverable multipurpose fighter jet incorporating fifth-generation technologies.

The jet incorporates a reinforced airframe, improved avionics and radar, thrust-vectoring engines, and a reduced frontal radar signature. Its maximum speed is 2,390 km/h (1,490mph), range is 3,600 km (1,940 miles), and combat radius - around 1,600 km (995 miles).

The jet is armed with 30 mm GSh-301 internal cannon with 150 rounds and 12 hardpoints capable of carrying rockets, missiles and bombs.