India, Russia to jointly build stealth war planes

AFP
Tuesday November 20, 2007

India and Russia will jointly build a fighter plane which will incorporate stealth technology and carry "super" missiles, India's defence minister said Monday.

The announcement came after Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh flew to Moscow on November 12 and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"The Indian air force is planning to induct stealth technology and super manoeuvrability in the fifth-generation fighters to be jointly developed with Russia," Defence Minister A.K. Antony said in parliament.

Antony said the jet would also be armed with "super cruise missiles and smart weapons" and added top military aviation experts from the two countries were already working on blueprints.

"Delivery schedule, the cost of development and cost-sharing would also be worked out," Antony said separately at an official meeting.

Russia accounts for 70 percent of Indian military equipment but late deliveries, especially of tanks, and commercial disagreements have forced New Delhi to use other suppliers including Britain, France, Israel and the United States.

The delays have meant that India is no longer content simply to purchase arms but now favours joint production.

India has also floated a global tender to buy 126 fighter jets worth 10 billion dollars that has drawn the interest of US and European arms firms.