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India & Russia to ink biggest defence deal
India & Russia will ink their biggest ever defence deal during the upcoming India visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to jointly produce the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). This move will transform their traditional consumer-supplier relationship into that of co-producers.
The advanced stealth aircraft is expected to compete the US F-22 Raptor, presently the world's only fifth generation fighter, and the under-development F-35 Lightning-II, at an estimated cost of US $30 billion (Rs 1,37,000 crore).
"The draft was made during the Russian defence minister's visit in October. The final details of the deal have already been worked out and the file has gone to the finance ministry for the final approval," said a highly-placed official at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak on the matter.
As per US classifications, aircrafts in service from 1980 to 2010, or based on the designs of the 70s are categorised as 4th generation aircrafts. However, 5th generation aircrafts are more advanced with better stealth capabilities and higher speed potential in comparison to the former.
The FGFA is being developed under Sukhoi's PAK FA project. The Indian aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will be its Indian partner.
According to an agreement signed in October 2007, India joined Russia in Sukhoi's FGFA programme, and the two countries will complete all procedures, finalising a commercial contract for the aircraft deal during Medvedev's visit starting December 21.
Apart from developing the FGFA, the two countries will also develop the Multirole Transport Aircraft together, of which the India is expected to order 45 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to IAF officials, the 30-tonne advanced FGFA, priced around $100 million, will have very advanced avionics, stealth to increase survivability and enhanced lethality. Expected to enter service in 2017, the FGFA's developing cost will be shared between India and Russia. The Indian side so far has put in $250 million.
The fighter's first prototype has already made as many as 36 test flights and the second prototype is expected to be flying soon. It is expected to take 8-10 years before entering the testing phase.
During this period India will be responsible for developing software for on-board computer systems, aircraft self-defence systems, and a host of other important components.
While India is developing its own two seater version of the FGFA, Russia's version is single seater jet. The IAF alone plans to acquire around 300 of the combat jets and the option to acquire more has been kept open.
Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine
India & Russia will ink their biggest ever defence deal during the upcoming India visit of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to jointly produce the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA). This move will transform their traditional consumer-supplier relationship into that of co-producers.
The advanced stealth aircraft is expected to compete the US F-22 Raptor, presently the world's only fifth generation fighter, and the under-development F-35 Lightning-II, at an estimated cost of US $30 billion (Rs 1,37,000 crore).
"The draft was made during the Russian defence minister's visit in October. The final details of the deal have already been worked out and the file has gone to the finance ministry for the final approval," said a highly-placed official at the Ministry of Defence (MoD), on condition of anonymity as he is not authorised to speak on the matter.
As per US classifications, aircrafts in service from 1980 to 2010, or based on the designs of the 70s are categorised as 4th generation aircrafts. However, 5th generation aircrafts are more advanced with better stealth capabilities and higher speed potential in comparison to the former.
The FGFA is being developed under Sukhoi's PAK FA project. The Indian aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) will be its Indian partner.
According to an agreement signed in October 2007, India joined Russia in Sukhoi's FGFA programme, and the two countries will complete all procedures, finalising a commercial contract for the aircraft deal during Medvedev's visit starting December 21.
Apart from developing the FGFA, the two countries will also develop the Multirole Transport Aircraft together, of which the India is expected to order 45 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
According to IAF officials, the 30-tonne advanced FGFA, priced around $100 million, will have very advanced avionics, stealth to increase survivability and enhanced lethality. Expected to enter service in 2017, the FGFA's developing cost will be shared between India and Russia. The Indian side so far has put in $250 million.
The fighter's first prototype has already made as many as 36 test flights and the second prototype is expected to be flying soon. It is expected to take 8-10 years before entering the testing phase.
During this period India will be responsible for developing software for on-board computer systems, aircraft self-defence systems, and a host of other important components.
While India is developing its own two seater version of the FGFA, Russia's version is single seater jet. The IAF alone plans to acquire around 300 of the combat jets and the option to acquire more has been kept open.
Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine
