Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft deal worth 25 billion US Dollars and leasing of Akula-II nuclear submarine are likely to top the agenda when India and Russia hold annual talks on defence cooperation in New Delhi on Thursday. Defence Minister A K Antony and his Russian counterpart Anatoly Serdyukov is meeting for the 10th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation to discuss a range of issues. AIR correspondent reports, the two Defence Ministers are also expected to discuss regional and global security issues. India is planning to get 250 of the fifth generation fighter aircraft for the Air Force, while the nuclear submarine will be leased by the Navy for 10 years to train its personnel before INS Arihant indigenous submarine joins the fleet. Among other issues that is expected to come up during the talks include, co-development of a hypersonic BrahMos missile, which is a joint venture between the two countries. The two countries have already developed a BrahMos supersonic cruise missile for the Army, Air Force and Navy. The two sides also have agreements for India to produce T-90 tanks for its army under licensing. India would be having 1,640 T-90s in service by 2020. Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL signed a contract with the Russian Rosoboronexport for joint development of multi-role transport aircraft.
News On AIR | October 6, 2010 12:32 PM
India, Russia to hold talks on defence cooperation in New Delhi