Russia does not seem to be happy with India signing a defence pact with Ukraine. This was conveyed to the high-level defence delegation which visited Moscow recently.
Ukraine has a defence industry producing tanks and planes, including the Antonov series of aircraft which comprise a large chunk of the Indian Air Force transport fleet. Ukraine also started producing anti-aircraft and radar systems after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Additionally, it has the capacity to build aircraft carriers as the undivided Soviet Union’s aircraft manufacturing facilities were located in Kiev, currently the capital of Ukraine.
Apart from producing the Antonov series of transport aircraft, Ukraine also has the rights to service them. The AN-12 and AN-32 series of transport planes used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) are still serviced by Ukraine. Ukraine also has the capacity to build the Mi series of helicopters and T-80 tanks.
While Russia has warned India of any tie-ups with Ukraine, India has already reached an advanced stage of negotiation with Ukraine. It may be noted that Ukraine is counted among the world’s top 10 defence equipment producers.
Besides this, Russia is also uncomfortable with the comments of former IAF chief Fali Homi Major, just before his retirement, that India would prefer A330 multi-role tanker transport (MRTT) for mid-air refuelling of fighter aircraft, instead of the Russian Illushin-78 tankers, six of which are already being used by the IAF.
The defence ministry official clarified that India had not yet taken a decision on which of the two short-listed platforms they should go in for under the $1.3-billion deal for six aircraft. However, officials did indicate that the IAF’s technical evaluation committee had pointed out certain advantages in going in for A330 MRTT.
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