Islam Times - India, Russia to sign biggest-ever defense deal

Islam Times - India will soon be signing its largest ever military contract with Russia to jointly build a new stealth aircraft. It involves investing 11 billion dollars in the research and development of fifth generation fighter.

Furthermore, the total cost of the project to develop and induct about 214 aircrafts in Indian Air Force is slated to be around 35 billion dollars.

The India Air force was in urgent need to get modern fighter aircraft for is aging fleet.

From Indian sides its Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd and from Russia United Aircraft Corporation will be sharing the equity in the project. India contribution is expected to be in computer and navigation systems, cockpit displays and counter measures dispensing systems.

The each of these 30-tonne swing-role fighter will have 360 degree situational awareness and will cost $100 million. They will also have supersonic cruising ability, long-range strike and high endurance air defense capabilities.

As part of their contribution Indian scientists and test pilots will be working both in Russia and India for the development for the next 7 years, however the first batch of these aircraft will be inducted into the air force only by 2022.

India is expected receive the first prototype of the plane in 2014, second in 2017 and the third in 2019. Russia’s Sukhoi Design Bureau has already developed a prototype of its own version called Sukhoi T-50, which is smaller than its existing SU-30 MKI fighter jet.

At present India's neighbors Pakistan and China have an edge over India.

While critics say that India should not be spending such huge amounts on these purchases as half of India lives on less than a dollar a day, Indian government states that this expenditure is justified for the security and stability of the country.

India has now virtually ruled out buying the F35 Joint Strike Fighter that was being offered by the US. In addition to the stealth aircraft India also plans to purchase 126 French Rafale fighter for $20 billion for which a decision has already been taken .