December 25, 2005:
In the last 18 months, China has ordered 250 AL-31 jet engines from Russia. These engines power the twin engine Su-27 and Su-30 fighters that China has bought from Russia, and is building under license. The engines cost about $3.4 million each. Most of the engines will be installed in Su-27s being built in China, while the others will replace engines worn out in Su-27s China is operating.
