Defence minister Manohar Parrikar will have a tough call to make when he sits down to review the much-delayed fifth generation fighter aircraft...
by Huma Siddiqui
Defence minister Manohar Parrikar will have a tough call to make when he sits down to review the much-delayed fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) programme with his Russian counterpart during his visit to Moscow in November.
Speaking to FE, a senior MoD official, on condition of anonymity, said: “Given the current situation, where the Indian Air Force (IAF) is in deep trouble due to its fast depleting force structure, the Indian government will need to take well thought out decision with long-term and strategic foresight. There is no doubt that the PAK-FA (Sukhoi Design Proposal) will be emerge as a major FGFA in the world. Hence, it would be better for India to take a reality check on the FGFA and recalibrate its position.” Parrikar, who will be going for the the India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation meeting ahead of the annual Indo-Russia summit, will review the FGFA project as well as the Medium Transport Aircraft (MTA) and other defence projects, MoD officials said.
According to air marshal (retd) M Matheswaran, “The origins of FGFA proposals go back to 2002, when it was suggested by the Russians for an inter-governmental programme. Given the urgency of its requirement for the badly-depleted Russian Air Force and the need for financial investment to cover the huge cost of the programme, Russia hoped to address it through India as its partner. Besides, a huge order from the IAF would retain continuity in India-Russia military aircraft production relationship and help the Russian aircraft industry.” Matheswaran, who is also doctoral faculty of Naval War College, Goa, said: “In the meantime, many things have happened. The IAF has downsized its requirement to just 64 aircraft as off-the shelf buy. Discussions on costs and role in non-existent design and development have resulted in a messy situation. The defence minister will have a tough call to make.”
Sources said the agreement that could be inked at the annual summit will also include a fixed order of 154 jets, work share and a firm commitment to the number of single versus double seat FGFA. With the Western sanctions impacting the Russian economy, President Vladmir Putin is keen that the FGFA programme with India fructifies as the joint programme will reduce development cost and guarantee an export customer. And for India, it would help it strengthen IAF’s dwindling squadrons.
