Aerobatics group “Russkie Vityaz” from the composition of the Russian Aerospace Forces will replace to the multipurpose fighter Su-30SM. This was announced live on Russian television, “Russia 24” by the commander of the troops Lieutenant General Viktor Bondarev.

“In the third quarter of 2016, “Russian knights” will get the first Su-30SM. I think that by the end of this year we can get [the pilots] on the newest, super — maneuverable aircraft,” said Gen. Bondarev.

In January Commander of the VKS said that the aerobatics group will switch to new aircraft by 2017, but then refused to name the type having justified that this decision will be taken by the Russian Ministry of Defense. However, it was assumed that it would be or Su-35S or Su-30SM.

“Russian Knights” were created in 1991 in the composition of the 234th Guards Fighter Aviation Regiment, which later transformed into the 237th center for display of aircraft based at the airport Kubiknka, outside Moscow. Currently, the group flies Su-27P and Su-27UB.

Su-30SM is a version of Su-30MK designed for the Russian armed forces.