3. India-Russia Military Relations
Russian Air Force Chief General Anatoly M. Kornukov stated, prior to meeting with Indian Air Chief Marshal A.Y. Tipnis, that Russia was interested in helping India develop the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and was willing to hold joint exercises with the two countries' air forces. An article in The Hindu stated that the project is currently based around US technology, and India should sound out US-based firms' interest in the project before redirecting aspects of the project to incorporate technology of Russian design.
"Russia keen to pitch in for LCA"
"Russian help for LCA"
Kota Harinarayana, Director of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program, stated that the LCA will be just as good as European-built jet fighters, but will cost half as much. He said that India used composite materials to reduce the number of parts needed, which helped bring the cost down to US$17 million, compared to over US$100 million for a US-built F-22.
"'Our LCA will be cheaper, better'"
The Times of India reported that, contrary to US preferences, Russian Air Force Chief General Anatoly M. Kornukov said that Russia will lease India four Tu-22M3 Backfire long-range bombers and will equip them with KH-22 cruise missiles. The Backfire has a range of 2,400 km, though the bomber could be upgraded with mid-air refueling to extend the range to 5,000 km. The cruise missiles will have conventional warheads and a range of 500 km.
"Russia to lease long-range bombers to India"
"Russia mulls leasing N-capable bombers to India"
Russia reported that the delays in upgrading India's fleet of MiG-21 fighter jets is because India's specific requests on the upgrade, including new missiles and software changes, also had to be agreed to by manufacturers in Israel and France.
"Russia blames India for MiG upgrade delays"
The Hindu reported that an India-Russia deal for five Russian Ka-31 marine helicopters indicates that the two countries are close to signing a deal for 25-28 MiG-29K aircraft to be attached to the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier. The deal may also include licensed production of the MiG-29K in India.
"Indo-Russian deal on MiG-29K ready"