Fifth-Gen Russian Fighter Test Model to Fly Next Year:

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Russian officials told journalists Thursday that experimental models of the country’s fifth-generation fighter likely will fly in 2007. They will not have true fifth-gen engines, which are still under development, reports the Russian News & Information Agency. Officials do expect to have the first production model fighter in the air in 2009. The Russian Air Force commander, Vladimir Mikhailov, also confirmed that a modernized Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber would go into service with the air force early next month.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org