JSC
Russian Aircraft Corp. MiG, the maker of the MiG fighter aircraft, is looking
to step up its presence in India and contribute to Prime Minister Narendra
Modi’s Make In India programme, Ilya Tarasenko, chief executive officer said in
an interview. Edited excerpts from an interview:
Russian Aircraft Corp. has long
historical ties with the Indian defence forces. How do you evaluate this
cooperation, what lies ahead?
We have been partners with India
for several decades. As you know, the legendary MiG-21 fighters are still
operated by the IAF and their life cycle has been extended till 2025. This is
one of the examples of our close partnership based on long experience. Today we
can confirm that we have reached the stage of cooperation when we can offer a
very significant level of localization of our aircraft systems, including
setting up production of various components and units. Together with the Indian
colleagues we have this experience in upgrading MiG-29 fighters.
Indian Navy has announced a
tender for 57 multi-role carrier borne fighters. Will you bid for this?
Let me start with saying that in
2016 we successfully completed a contract with the Indian Navy for the supply
of 45 MiG-29K/KUB. This aircraft system has proved its worth both in the Indian
and Russian Navy. As you know, MiG-29K/KUB fighters took an active role in the
Syrian conflict and showed their efficiency in combat performance receiving
high marks from the Command and Navy pilots. It should also be noted that
equipment of the Navy with aircraft systems that are already in operation is
economically more efficient due to the already existing support infrastructure
and lack of the need to retrain operating and support personnel. Having in mind
this experience in the Russian Navy and recommendations from our pilots that
have already mastered this aircraft system, I can confidently say that
MiG-29K/KUB is an optimal carrier-borne multi-role fighter for the Navy’s
purposes.
The Russian media says Moscow is
ready to offer India its latest MiG-35 fighters. Your comments.
For sure, MiG-35 is an aircraft
that the Indian Air Force is interested in, in terms of the cost-efficiency
ratio. We are ready to negotiate with our Indian partners all issues related to
supply of this aircraft system. Moreover, we are ready to make a notable
contribution to the implementation of the ‘Make in India’ programme announced
by the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. It means that we are ready to
discuss maximum possible localization.
Our corporation has already earned
a good reputation in this respect with the MiG-29 fighter modernization
programme to the latest UPG version that is implemented at HAL’s (Hindustan
Aeronautics Ltd) facilities in Nashik. Russia may supply a certain number of
finished aircraft and then switch to kit deliveries for the aircraft systems to
be manufactured in the territory of India along with establishing local
production of components.
Over the years we have established
a basis for succession in military cooperation with India. It secures a notable
economic advantage for MiG-35 making its operation 20% cheaper as compared to
rivals.
What would be the terms of the
MiG-35 deal?
An answer to this question we will
be jointly reaching together with our Indian colleagues through negotiations on
the supply terms of this aircraft system. I would like to state that we are not
offering a single product. Our proposal includes a comprehensive solution that
includes the aircraft proper, an automated training system with state-of-the-art
equipment, as well as an after-sale service programme.
Will your strategic partnership
be in parts’ supply or localized manufacturing?
We have designed offset programmes
that include use of local air force base, specialist training and creation of
new jobs, as well as modern technology transfer, joint R&D projects and
setting up licensed production. Besides aircraft supply, RSK MiG provides
flying and ground personnel training and retraining at our own premises or in
the customer’s country.
Source :- Live Mint
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