India Press Information Bureau, New Delhi: The Director, Defence Security Cooperation Agency of the United States Department of Defence, Lt Gen Jeffery Kohler visited India on April 20 – 21 this year to convey the decision of the United States administration to respond to an Indian Request for Information for procurement of a Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft for the Indian Air Force.
Lt Gen. Kohler informed the Government that the US administration has advised the manufacturers of the F-16 and the F-18 a! ircraft to participate in the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the aircraft when issued by the Government of India. He also conveyed US readiness to enter into a defence supply, co-production and Research and Development relationship in areas of advanced defence technologies. No specific proposals were made.
The Government welcomes the US willingness to collaborate with India in the supply, production, transfer of technology and joint research and development of defence equipment in accordance with rules, regulations and procedures of the Government of India on eventually acceptable terms and conditions.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri Rama Muni Reddy Sirigireddy in Rajya Sabha today.
Upgradation Of Sukhoi-30 Aircraft
Government is planning to upgrade Sukhoi-30 aircraft with latest avionics and weapons.
The upgradation is planned from this year onwards.
The final cost of upgrade will be known after the negotiations are completed.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri SPM Syed Khan in Rajya Sabha today.
Kaveri Engine For Light Combat Aircraft
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) had undertaken development of Kaveri engine to meet the propulsion needs of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) project.
During Aero India 2005 number of manufacturers displayed engine technology. In order to expedite the Kaveri engine development, DRDO has explored the possibility of partnership with other leading manufacturers. Expressions of Interest have been sought from all reputed military engine manufacturers to assess the level of interest in such a proposal.
Gas Turbine Research Establishment, Bangalore, a laboratory of DRDO, has spent Rs. 1159 crore on Kaveri engine till June 2005. Kaveri engine has been planned to be integrated with LCA by March 2007.
This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee in a written reply to Shri R Kamaraj in Rajya Sabha today.
