PANEL RECOMMENDS THAT INDIA SHOULD CO-PRODUCE STEALTH FIGHTER WITH RUSSIA

Media has reported that a high-powered panel appointed by the MoD has recommended that the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA) project should be jointly developed and produced with Russia but the Indian Air Force has serious reservations about the project. The panel

is headed by Air Marshal S.Varthaman (retd). The panel has highlighted that India would make great strides in the transfer of cutting-edge technology by partnering with Russia. India has a requirement for 120-130 swing-role planes with stealth features and state of art technology. India and Russia are yet to sign a $4-billion research and development contract for the FGFA. India has already spent Rs 1,500 crore(about $0.23 billion) for the preliminary design completed in June 2013.