India's/ Russia's Joint Military Transport Aircraft
News emerged on the 3rd April regarding the state of play of a collaboration between India and Russia, through which a new military transport aircraft for the air forces of both countries will be developed.
The joint venture sees India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) working in tandem with the Russian Ilyushin firm. Speaking to the media, Ashok Baweja, the chairman of HAL, confirmed: "The funding is ready and the programme is now on."
The transport aircraft will weigh 60 tonnes, and will be up to seven years in the development stage, he added.
Troop Deployment, Transportation
In both Russian and Indian Air Force service, the aircraft will be used in roles including troop deployment and transportation. For India, the type will replace the Antonov An-32 - a twin-engined transport aircraft that first flew over 30 years ago.
India was the first nation to order the An-32, with 94 examples still remaining in service.
Indian Hercules Purchase
In February, it was announced that India is to purchase six Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules aircraft in a deal worth around $1 billion.
HAL itself produces a number of foreign aircraft under licence. These include Russian-manufactured Mig and Sukhoi jet fighters, and Anglo-French Jaguars. Shortly, it is set to supply the Indian Air Force with the first Hawk jet trainer to be made locally. Fourteen additional examples, according to Baweja, will follow in coming months.
Indian Defence Spending
Earlier this year, military analysts suggested that, by 2018, India could be spending $50 billion dollars on defence per annum.
Russia is the most prolific provider of arms to India, with Israel second.
Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert
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