960414

Indian Air Force

to get Russian

combat aircraft

NEW DELHI: The Indian government has given the go ahead for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to acquire Russian-built Su-30 MK Aircraft, a daily said on Sunday.

The Indian Express newspaper said the defence deal, possibly the most expensive for a one-weapon system in India, would cost about Rs 63 billion (1.8 billion dollars).

"The decision has been taken in response to growing pressure for a multi-role aircraft to deal with short and long-term threats in the region", the daily said, quoting defence sources .

The bulk of the Indian Air Force combat strength consist of ageing MiG-21 variants and "some of them are awaiting an expensive upgradation", it said.

The Indian Air Force and the Ministry of Defence have told the government they could make do with a smaller number of high-performance multi role aircraft, the sources said.

"Accordingly, the choice has fallen on a multi role Su-30 MK which Russia has offered to custom-build for the IAF, modifying the original Su-30K ADV which was meant for interception and escort missions", the daily said.

Eighty percent of India's airforce, 75 percent of its navy and 40 percent of its land forces is armed with Soviet or Russian-made material.-AFP