November 19,
2008: Malaysia is playing hardball with Russia when it comes to after-service
sales for the 18 Su-30 aircraft it bought five years ago. The first twelve were
delivered last year, Malaysia went to India for training and maintenance
services, and is now seeking to buy spare parts from China. Both China and
India are major users of the Su-30, and China builds it under license.
Aftermarket sales (training, maintenance, spare parts) are a major part of the
total market for any jet aircraft. Moreover, most of the profits are made in
the aftermarket (once the aircraft is sold). Russia is not amused.
