Dec 10 2008
Russia and India to Build Joint Fighter
Russia and India are concluding contract negotiations to develop a next-generation military fighter under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October of 2007. Russia’s United Aircraft Corporation and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited are poised to develop the fighter starting early next year. The fighter will feature advanced computer and weapons systems, high maneuverability and stealth technology to ensure air superiority in the region.
India has long been a substantial customer to Russia’s military industry, accounting for 40% of arms sales for the last fifty years.
Russia is in the process of rebuilding its armed forces, which were left derelect after the fall of the Soviet Union, while India is ramping up its military for a possible conflict with Pakistan.
