The Hindu : National : Military aviation projects hit turbulent weather

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Tuesday, Jul 03, 2007
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Military aviation projects hit turbulent weather

Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI: At a time when India is seeks to modernise military aviation, some major projects are facing turbulent weather, according to Defence Ministry sources.

The Russians are demanding more to upgrade the entire MiG-29 fleet; an American company has been told to reply to charges of involving a frontman, and the French want more for providing spares for Mirage fighters.

“All these issues can be sorted out, but it will take time. We are hoping that the problems will be sorted out as early as possible to avoid surrendering funds allocated for the projects at the end of this financial year,” said an official.

Upgrade cost hike

The proposal to upgrade the MiG-29 fleet was in an advanced stage with the Defence Ministry almost finalising the deal at $1 billion when the Russians sprang a surprise.

“Confessing” to having committed a mistake in agreeing to a “low” price for MiG-29s for the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov (INS Vikramaditya), they want the upgrade cost hiked by at least $100 million.

With the MiG and Sukhoi companies having merged, one view is that the Russians had no option but to hike the MiG-29 upgrade cost to appear consistent since they have sought more for Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters.

However, Russia has offered several sweeteners, including generous off-sets and transfer of technology for ventral fuel drop tanks (extra fuel tanks) which almost double the endurance of the fighters.

It has also agreed to provide the air-to-air refuelling technology to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The deal for multi-purpose helicopters that saw a bitter contest between the U.S.-based Bell and Euro copter is also facing hurdles.

While Bell was eliminated on technical grounds after several rounds of tests in different terrain, Euro copter is now facing the heat after a top Defence Ministry official was informed of a company allegedly acting as a go-between.

Rules strictly prohibit such activity and all companies have to sign an integrity pact stating that negotiations will be ethical and direct.

The Ministry has so far not taken a stand either way since large contracts invariably generate animosity and allegations such as these.

Nevertheless, the deal is unlikely to proceed until the Ministry receives a satisfactory explanation from the company.

Servicing costly

The French too are seeking more for keeping the Mirage fleet airworthy.

The companies responsible for the upgrades and supplying spares have been told not to back off from their contractual commitments.

The French point out that the Mirage assembly line is in the process of being closed and that would make servicing of the aircraft a costly proposition in future.

Interestingly, the French have sought a hike at a time when India is still open to buying a dozen second hand Mirage jets from Qatar.

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