Question : AGREEMENT WITH RUSSIA FOR MANUFACTURING OF AIRCRAFT

(a) whether the Government have reached any agreement with Russia for manufacturing of fighter aircraft of the next generation and setting up of joint defence projects;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether Russia has also agreed to cooperate in manufacturing of spare parts of Sukhoi-30 MKI;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the time by which the manufacturing of spare parts of Sukhoi is likely to be started?

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE FERNANDES)

(a) & (b): Joint development of a fifth generation aircraft has been identified as a possible area of defence cooperation between India and Russia.

(c) to (e): Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has the license for manufacture of SU-30 MKI aircraft and its components (which includes spares) for Indian Air Force. Manufacture is likely to start in 2004-2005.