India, Russia weigh joint aircraft project

NEW DELHI—India and Russia are in discussion for joint development and manufacture of fifth generation fighter aircraft, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee told the Lok Sabha. In response to a question in the Lower House of Parliament, Mukherjee said Russia had proposed joint development and manufacture of fifth generation fighter aircraft.
“Talks have been held between India and Russia in this regard. The discussions are at a preliminary stage,” he said adding, no time limit for taking a decision in this regard could be indicated. To another question on the defence cooperation between India and France, he said no agreement has been signed yet. “Both countries are holding discussions with a view to finalizing a framework agreement on defence cooperation,” he added. On the issue of an agreement with China for military exercises in the Indian Ocean, Mukherjee said India had not signed any such pact. To another query, he said Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed preliminary designs of various subsystems for developing the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system costing Rs 18 billion, which was sanctioned in October last year. “AEW&C is likely to be developed by April 2011,” he added.—APP