The Kanwa Defense Review, a Canada-based Chinese-language military magazine, on Jan 30, 2015, disclosed that China is likely to receive the first batch of Su-35 fighters from Russia between 2017 and 2018, if the contract can be signed this year. Russia has decided to sell only 24 Su-35 fighters to China.
China is likely to equip the tactical training center of the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in Guangzhou with Su-35 fighters. Three frontline PLAAF units namely the 9th regiment of the 3rd Division, the 85th Regiment of the 29th Division and the 54th Regiment of the 18th Division are likely to receive Su-35 fighters due to their experience of operating the Su-30Mkk fighters.
The 9th Regiment stationed in Wuhu, Anhui province is likely to be the first among those three units to get Su-35 fighters. As for the 85th and 54th Regiments, their mission is to defend the Chinese interest over the disputed South China Sea from the Guangzhou Military Region.
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