Joint programme with Russia on track

The Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), a joint programme with Russia that is expected to take the Indian Air Force’s capabilities to the next level, is in the second stage of development.

Briefing mediapersons at the Aero India 2013, Viktor Komardin, Head of the Joint Delegation of the Russian Technologies State Corporation and Rosoboronexport said: “...The programme is in the second stage and work is going on according to plan.”

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which is partnering with Russia for the FGFA programme will also showcase glimpses of FGFA at the show.

The Russian Ambassador, Alexander Kadakin said the programme was in the design phase of development. “All the major principles of the project are in place and it is being jointly developed in Russia as well as India,” he said.

Komardin also said that Russia would take part in tenders for light and heavy lift helicopter classes and that they have already signed a deal with Elcom systems for a joint venture to assemble Russian helicopters here including Ka-226T light role helicopter.

Signed deals

The delegation said that they had signed deals with the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence for delivery of helicopters which include choppers for Navy Patrol.

On India acquiring military equipment from other countries, Kadakin said it had no effect on the relations between the two countries and they were still partners in many critical joint venture programmes.