Big-ticket Sukhoi-30 deal almost done
Govt will soon ink a $1.6 bn deal with Russia for the supply of 40 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters, reports Rahul Singh.
Here’s the latest indicator of the India-Russia love affair being in full bloom. The government is on the verge of inking a $1.6 billion deal with Russia for the supply of 40 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters. The air superiority fighters will be inducted into the Indian Air Force’s combat fleet “in about three years”.
Air Chief SP Tyagi, who is here for Aero India 2007, revealed on Thursday that the contract would be signed before the current financial year ends. This means the deal will be sealed before Tyagi retires on March 31. The government has invoked the fast-track procedure to buy the Su-30s.
The IAF will also be inducting, in the short-term, 80 medium-lift helicopters, 12 VIP choppers, advanced light helicopters, 10 Cheetahs and Israeli Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems).
Then there are the 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) that the IAF seeks to acquire and the request for proposal for this is likely to be released soon. The IAF is also planning to acquire six C-130 J Hercules aircraft from the United States for special forces. This year, the IAF will also receive the first of the 66 Hawk AJT (advanced jet trainer) being bought from the UK.
Tyagi, who will pass the baton to Air Marshal Fali Homi Major, made it clear his successor would have his work cut out for him. “Air Marshal Major has a task ahead of him. The air force has to lay the groundwork for absorbing new equipment and technology in terms of spares, ground systems, maintenance and other infrastructure issues.”
Reflecting on his tenure as Air Chief, Tyagi admitted that the air force had “faced problems of numbers, old aircraft and replacement just like any other air force”.
He said the IAF would not split the order for the 126 aircraft; the entire lot would be purchased from one vendor after floating a global tender. His remarks put an end to speculation that the IAF was considering splitting the contract. He emphasised the importance of maintaining commonality in the combat fleet, which has a mix of Russian, British and French platforms.
Tyagi did not rule out the possibility of buying second-hand aircraft if it suited the IAF’s requirements and if the price was right. The IAF had shown interest in buying 12 Mirage 2000s from Qatar last year but things did not work out as the machines were priced exorbitantly.
Email Rahul Singh: rahulsingh@hindustantimes.com