Indians also hint at possible order for MiG-AT (250 words)

Published: 12/1/2000

According to statements to the press by the Indian ambassador to Russia Mr. Lambah, Sokol had completed eleven upgraded MiG-21-93 ready for delivery to the Indian Ministry of Defence and hinted that the relation with the Nizhni Novgorod based plant was likely to continue for some time. Mr Lambah's comments are particularly encouraging g for the plant given that the contract is two years behind schedule and has been the subject of considerable debate in India as a result. His air force attaché Mr Barbora , said that the current agreement with Sokol provides for cooperation between the plant and India to continue for between 10-15 years and that they were involved in discussions with the plant regarding the upgrade of MiG-29. It is unclear whether this is an upgrade of India's 5 MiG-29UBs, which Sokol and Phaztron have been reported to be offering a upgrade package for or 65 single seat aircraft, both sets of aircraft produced by MAPO (although coincidently there are unconfirmed reports cited by Jane's that Sokol may have produced a small number of the the single seat aircraft). Barbora also said that India is going to purchase four MiG AT trainers produced by RSK MiG, which suggests that Russian optimism about an order in the face of the confirmation of Hawk orders and the leasing of Alpha Jets, to meet pressing advanced trainer needs, may not have been misplaced. The MiG-21 upgrade line is due to be transferred to HAL at Naslik in India where 15 aircraft are reported to be awaiting upgrade with the first Indian aircraft due to rollout in March of next year. 123 aircraft are involved in the programme, which rolls out over four years.

Article ID: 2222