IAF in talks with Russia to finalize procurement of Sukhoi jets

Indian Air Force (IAF) is in vance sts of talks with Russia to finalize a deal over purchase of 12 Sukhoi jets as Air Force looks to upgre its force furr, and also to replace jets that crashed.

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Replacement and upgre

IAF is finalizing procurement of 12 more Sukhois with Russia. Some will replace ones lost in crashes, and will be built by defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics. Also, 21 ditional MiG-29 jets which will cost around Rs 230 crore each. India w plans to upgre its fleet of Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets with more vanced avionics, rars and weapons to furr bolster ir combat capabilities, with detailed talks currently underway with Russia for mega project.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently visited Russia and re were multiple discussions on purchasing more jets.  Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale also ded that India was looking to develop relations with Russia beyond just military cooperation. two countries will be looking to develop relations culturally as well. Prime Minister also said that relations should develop beyond just as a buyer and seller of military equipment and progress towards developing equipment toger. 

Last year, India and Russia h signed two pacts for long term maintenance and technical support for Russian manufactured Sukhoi M-30 fighter jets. As per contract, Russian firms h agreed to provide technical support and maintenance services and spares for fleet for a period of five years. pacts h been signed between  Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and United Aircraft Corporation and United Engine Corporation.

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India has rights to purchase with freedom

Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, while in United States of America, defended India's right to purchase military equipment from Russia. India has h deals concerning military equipment with multiple countries, including Russia and USA, who are global powers in defence manufacturing. Jaishankar said, "We have always maintained that what we buy — sourcing of military equipment - is very much a sovereign right. We would t like any state to tell us what to buy or t to buy from Russia any more than we would like any state to tell us to buy or t buy from America. That freedom of choice is ours and we think it’s in everybody’s interest to recognise that."

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