MOSCOW, Nov. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian aircraft manufacturer Sukhoi announced Tuesday it would supply the newest Su-35S fighters to the Russian Defense Ministry from next year.

    Sukhoi "has begun to implement the contract of supplying 48 Su-35S multi-role super-maneuverable fighters to the Russian Defense Ministry," said the company in a statement. The production of parts and accessories for the planes has begun.

    The company is expected to finish the production of the first Su-35S fighter in 2010.

    The fighter plane "will enhance Russia's defense ability and renew its air force's equipment," said the statement.

    At the MAKS-2009 air show in August, Sukhoi and the Russian Defense Ministry signed a contract under which the Russian Air Force will buy 48 Su-35S fighters, 12 Su-27CM and four Su-30M2. The aircraft deliveries are to be completed by 2015.

    Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has hailed the contract as "setting a record in modern Russian history."