Mexico seeking to buy Russian fighter jets

ISN SECURITY WATCH (Wednesday, 3 May 2006: 10.36 CET) – Mexico and Russia are discussing the Mexican purchase of some 12 Sukhoi Su-27 fighter jets from Russia, Russian media reported.

According to a representative of Rosoboronexport cited by Russia's daily Vedemosti newspaper, the Mexican armed forces is hoping to purchase a squadron of up to a dozen Su-27 jets intended to help intercept drug traffickers using airplanes to smuggle their wares.

Russia is competing with Sweden's Gripen defense manufacturer for the Mexican contract, reports said.