Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Sukhoi-30 batch II: Nuts & bolts finalised

New Delhi, June 22
HT Correspondent

India has moved closer to inducting in the Indian Air Force (IAF) the second batch of multi-role Sukhoi-30 MKI with the finalisation of the avionics system for the fighter aircraft by the high-level defence delegation to Russia.

The Indian delegation to Moscow led by Defence Secretary Ajit Kumar also identified key areas for collaboration between the Russian Institute of Defence Systems and the Indian agencies for the production of anti-ballistic missile systems, submarines, electronic warfare systems and radars.

The understanding reached by the visiting team with their Russian counterparts brings to the fore Moscow's willingness to expand defence cooperation with New Delhi, regardless of the adverse international reaction to Pokhran-II.

During their visit, the Defence Ministry team were provided access to Moscow's most advanced systems at the institutional level and in actual operational set-ups. Evidently, Russia does not only want continued cooperation but wants to expand the level of cooperation with New Delhi.

The new areas of cooperation identified by the Indo-Russian Joint Working Group (JWG) include development of an integrated air defence system for India on the basis of the Russian S-300 missile complexes. The state-of-the-art mobile S-300 is superior to the American Patriot anti-missile system and is effective against planes, including those equipped with Stealth technology, and various types of missiles, including tactical and cruise.

Apart from the air defence project, the new programme includes overhauling and rearming of the Gorshkov aircraft carrier, the upgradation of the T-72 tanks or purchase of the advanced missile firing T-90 tank, acquisition of self-propelled Msta-B guns, attack helicopters KA-30 and a possible purchase of the new MiG-AT advanced jet trainer aircraft.

On the deal concerning Sukhoi aircraft, the delegation held "protracted negotiations" in Moscow with the avionics manufacturers from France and Israel before the systems were finalised.

The second batch of SU-30s would also have some custom built equipment manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). According to official sources, the DRDO has already developed the required equipment.

The talks in Moscow and changes made in the fighter plane by Sukhoi's design bureau, as per New Delhi's specifications, have added to the aircraft's operational capability. On the whole, efforts are being made to overcome the delay and induct the plane at the earliest.

The delegation during its visit also witnessed the first demonstration flight of the SU-30 MKI powered by a new engine with controlled thrust vector for enhanced manoeuvrability. In subsequent upgradation phases, the aircraft would be armed with eight tonnes of sophisticated weapons to attract air, ground and surface targets.

India took delivery of the first eight SU-30 jets last year and will receive the rest in continuously upgraded batches by 2002.