 In late 2012 , it was reported that China wanted to purchase only 24 units , which was less than what Russia deemed to be worthwhile , thus stalling negotiations . By late 2012 , the negotiations resumed , this time involving 24 aircraft . During the next three years , negotiations would prove to be protracted , with several false reports claiming that a deal had been reached between the two countries ; for example , in March 2013 , it was reported that both sides had signed an initial agreement for 24 Su @-@ 35s and four submarines prior to Chinese President Xi Jinping 's visit to Russia . Negotiations concluded in November 2015 , when a contract for 24 fighters worth $ 2 billion , was signed . The first aircraft will be delivered to China in 2016 . One motive for China 's purchase of the Su @-@ 35 is its thrust @-@ vectoring 117S engine ; while China has recently developed modern fighters , its engines still lag behind Russia and the West despite heavy investments by China in domestic engine programs during recent years to catch up . According to Russian National Defense magazine , China will not order additional Su @-@ 35s but will instead focus on its domestic fighter programs especially its fifth generation fighters . 
