The Sudanese Air Force is deploying Russian military aircraft for conventional warfare and counter-insurgency operations against rebels in Darfur.

Russia delivered four Mi-35 attack helicopters, which have been operated in attacks on rebels in the Darfur province since late 2009, according to worldtribune.com.

In addition, Sudan also deployed eight Russian Su-25 Frogfoot fighter jets at the Wadi Seidna Air Base for operational service during 2009.

Sudan said it would receive additional Russian aircraft in 2010, including the MiG-29 fighter-jet, under a contract signed between the nations in November 2008.

At present Sudan has a fleet of 12 MiG-29s, which includes ten MiG-29SEs and two MiG-29UBs.