Jordan has started talks with Russia for a small number of Su-34 fighter bombers

Jordan is considering purchasing Russian Sukhoi Su-34 fighter-bombers, the Kommersant newspaper reported Monday, citing two unidentified sources in the Russian aircraft industry.

According to one of the sources, Amman is currently conducting consultations on the purchase of a small batch of Su-32 — the export version of the Su-34.

“We hope that the interest in the near future will result in pre-contract negotiations,” the source was quoting as saying.

Russia's state-owned arms exporter Rosoboronexport declined to comment on these statements.

The Su-34 has seen a surge in popularity following its performance in the Russian campaign in Syria.

Last month, Rosoboronexport's deputy director Sergei Goreslavsky said a number of Middle Eastern countries are interested in purchasing Su-34 bombers, the TASS news agency reported.

A deal between Moscow and Amman, however, may be hampered by several factors, including Jordan's focus on purchasing arms from the United States and the unstable situation in the country, Kommersant reported.