New Delhi, Aug 19: After months of acrimony, Russia
has finally agreed to transfer key technology for the
frontline T-90 tanks enabling Indian armament factories to now
go ahead full steam to produce these weapon platforms
indigenously.
"Russians have finally agreed to supply specifications of
the T-90 tank barrels by end of this year," a top Defence
ministry official said here today after the two-day long
intensive deliberations between the two countries.
The delay in providing the specifications had held up the
indigenous production of the T-90 tanks at the Avadi Heavy
Vehicles Factory.
India and Russia have signed agreements for delivery of
almost 1,200 T-90 tanks at a cost of a staggering US 1.2
billion dollars.
The deal, concluded in three tranches over the past five
years, also specifies transfer of technology for production of
another 1,000 to 1,500 tanks in India.
At the 8th meeting of the Indo-Russian working group on
shipbuilding, aviation and land systems, Moscow also agreed to
full product support for indigenous production of these tanks.
"The Russian side have agreed that the delivery schedule
mutually accepted by the two countries in June this year would
be maintained," the official said.
With this crucial agreement, it has become apparent that
the Indian army would continue to rely on the Russian tanks as
its main battle tanks. This is significant as the indigenous
Arjun tanks have yet to pass the crucial induction trials.
Though the Ordnance Factories Board had concluded the
technology transfer agreement with Russia way back in 2001,
Moscow's reluctance to part with key barrel specifications had
held up the indigenous production of the tanks.
At the meeting co-chaired by Ajay Acharya, Additional
Secretary, Defence Production, and his Russian counterpart
Karavaev Igor Evgeniyevich, New Delhi also submitted its
technical requirements for the joint development of a
futuristic 5th generation fighter aircraft.
Though the aircraft design is yet to be finalised, the
two countries have agreed to step up efforts to ensure that
the new fighter enters flying service by 2015.
The key working group met within the framework of the
Indo-Russian intergovernmental commission military technical
cooperation and also took up issues for supply of Russian
sub-systems for India's new range of P-17A warships.
"The talks were held in a highly professional manner.
Sides expressed their readiness to take all the necessary
measures to further develop cooperation on a mutually
beneficial basis," Defence Ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar
said.
Russia has also agreed to open cooperation with the
bluechip public sector undertaking Hindustan Aeronautics
Limited as an offset partner for future programmes.
Bureau Report