India and Russia are likely to sign a contract next month for joint development

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and production of the 5th generation fighter aircraft for use by the armed forces of the two countries.

The multi-billion contract may be signed during the forthcoming visit of President Dmitry Medvedev to India in December, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov has said.

"I think that very soon, in December, we will sign a contract," Ivanov told Itar-Tass news agency.

The all composite strength fighters' first prototype has already made as many as 36 test flights and the agency said the second prototype would take to the year soon.

"The test programme has identified no serious flaws," Ivanov said. He also indicated that a delegation from Rosoboronexport and the holding company Sukhoi were on a working visit in India to finalise the contract.