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Despite the spurt in defence co-operation between New Delhi and Washington, Russian companies will continue to be the biggest suppliers of military wares to India, according to the president of a consortium of Russian aviation companies and design bureaux.
Cheaper production cost, cutting edge technology and the traditional ties between New Delhi and Moscow will ensure that Russia continues to be the biggest supplier of defence wares in the future, Alexey I Fedorov, the president of Irkutsk Aviation Industrial Association, which produces Sukhoi fighter jets, said.
"Of course, the US is a very, very strong competitor. But we try to be the best, and we are traditional partners of India," he said.
Fedorov said the licensed production in India of 140 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters is expected to begin in 2004 after Russia transfers technology, supplies raw material, and provides support technicians.
The production will be undertaken at the Nasik facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, he said.
The Sukhoi fighters will incorporate Indian software in avionics, besides other components developed by Indian companies, he said.
The supersonic cruise missile Brahmos, which is being jointly developed by Russia and India, "could be used in Sukhoi if the Indian Air Force wants. It can be installed," Fedorov said.
Joint marketing of the Sukhoi-30 MKI in international market can also be explored, but India will have to seek special permission from the Russian government, he said.
It is time for Russian and Indian companies to collaborate and compete in the international aviation market, he said, adding that such collaborations are possible because the two countries are "close politically and technologically".
Fedorov also offered to upgrade India's fleet of Mi-17 and 35 helicopters with better avionics, night vision etc. However, there is no move for such an upgradation from Indian side.
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