Russian Aerospace Forces to Get 16 Sophisticated Su-34 Bombers This Year

"This year, we expect additional deliveries of four aircraft and the total order volume for the current year is 16 Su-34s," Borisov said, adding that nine aircraft are already in the final stages of assembly.

According to the deputy defense minister, the Novosibirsk Aircraft Production Association (NAPO, or NAPA) has a long-term contract with the Russian Defense Ministry on the production of a total of 92 Su-34 strike fighters.

Borisov stressed that Su-34 aircraft have proved highly effective in the fight against terrorists in Syria.

"A program on the modernization of Su-34 is planned to start in 2018," the minister said.

On Thursday, Borisov announced that Russia's Aerospace Forces would receive 17 advanced Su-30SM fighter jets and 10 Yak-130 combat trainers in 2017.