Eighteen years after its maiden flight, Russia is starting full production of the Su-34.

Russia's Air Force will receive at least five advanced Su-34 fighter bombers in 2008, the Sukhoi plane maker said on Monday.

Russia has started this year the full-scale production of the Su-34 Fullback fighter bomber at a Novosibirsk-based aircraft-manufacturing plant, a subsidiary of the Sukhoi Aircraft Holding.

"In 2008, our plant will increase its production capacity by 15-20% and will manufacture at least five Su-34 aircraft, while modernizing 20 Su-24 Fencer planes," said Alexander Kalashnikov, deputy general director of the Novosibirsk plant.

Experts said the new bomber has the potential to become the top plane in its class for many years to come. A total of 70 aircraft will be purchased by 2015 to replace around 300 Su-24s, which are currently undergoing modernization to prolong their service life.

I doubt NATO is losing sleep over this announcement--the Su-34 celebrated her maiden flight back when Gorbachev was still in power. Though, in fairness, the aircraft does impress on the air show circuit. Check out the Fullback's freaky aerial acrobatics routine:

After the MiG-29 and F-15s entered full production, the United States and Soviet Union each went down separate fighter development paths. The United States focused on stealth technology and radar, while the Soviets went for maneuverability (as demonstrated above). In the end, all that fancy flying is nice, but doesn't really match up well against an invisible F-22 Raptor. The asking price isn't bad though. At $36 million an airframe, Russia shouldn't have any trouble with exports.

Next up from Sukhoi, creepy looking X-29 knockoffs.