MOSCOW [MENL] -- Syria has ordered the advanced MiG-31E fighter-jet from Russia.

Industry sources said the Syrian contract was signed in early 2007 and the first aircraft delivery was expected over the next few months. The sources said the MiG-31E, with a configuration similar to that ordered by India, would provide Syria with a huge leap in air combat capability.

"The Syrians will be getting the top line of Russian aircraft through financing by Iran and share some or most of the platforms with the Iranian Air Force," a Russian industry source said. "This is the start of a new era."

The deal marked the first Syrian combat aircraft procurement since Damascus ordered the Su-24 Fencer in 1988. In December 2006, Syrian President Bashar Assad met Russian leaders in Moscow in an effort to replace Syria's aging combat fleet.