Mexican Navy picks Sukhoi's for “strategic surveillance”

[Armymatters]

http://www.flightglobal.com/Articles/2006/05/09/Navigation/177/206478/Mexico+selects+Sukhoi+Su-27+for+strategic+surveillance.html

Mexico selects Sukhoi Su-27 for strategic surveillance

The Mexican navy has selected Sukhoi’s Su-27 over the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen to equip its first air defence unit.

Head of the service Adm Armando Sánchez Moreno says the new fleet of 10 fighters will enable the navy to carry out “strategic surveillance” over key areas of Mexico’s coastline.

Preliminary selection work was initiated in early 2005, and the navy is now entering into contract negotiations with Russia’s Rosboronexport agency for the purchase of eight single-seat Su-27s and two Su-27UB two-seat trainers. Local sources indicate that the entire package – which also includes spare parts, tools and personnel training – is worth slightly over $410 million.

Looks like the Americans will have Russian-built fighters in the backyard of another neighbour. Anyways, nice surveillance aircraft.