MIG and Sukhoi have submitted their design proposals for the fifth generation fighter, but sources said Sukhoi is being preferred.
NEW DELHI: India and Russia would actively pursue joint development of military systems as a key agenda here when the Inter-governmental Commission on Military Technical Cooperation meet on Wednesday, but no major breakthroughs are expected, sources say.
Indian defence minister AK Antony and his Russian counterpart Sergei Ivanov would chair the meeting on Wednesday. Sources said India has indicated its preference for a fifth generation fighter design from Sukhoi Design Bureau for joint development. The issue would be discussed in details and would also figure when President Vladimir Putin arrives as the chief guest on the Republic Day. Sources, however, said that an agreement is not expected during these meetings.
Russia has invited India to jointly develop a fifth generation fighter that could take to air in the next few years. India is keen to take part in such a development, but the details are yet to be finalised. France is also believed to have evinced interest in taking part in the project.
Both MIG and Sukhoi have submitted their design proposals for the fifth generation fighter, but sources said Sukhoi design is being preferred. The two sides would also discuss further a proposal to start joint development and manufacture of military transport aircraft. A final agreement on this too is not expected this time, sources said.
The most significant agreement expected is on the manufacture of RD-33 engines in India, by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, for MIG-29 fighters.
The two sides would discuss possible sale of BrahMos cruise missiles to third countries. The MoU between the two sides on the joint production of the missile clearly says they would sell it to friendly third countries.
Despite the onslaught by Israel, France and other western nations, Russia remains India’s biggest military supplier. Over 70 per cent of the military platforms of India are of Russian make, and some $10 billion worth of import orders are already placed with Russian companies for military supplies. And since 1960 the two sides have done business worth almost $35 billion.
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