Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Thursday, Feb 10, 2005
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Thursday, Feb 10, 2005 |
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Government
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Security Logistics - Events Threat of sanctions hangs over India's US defence buys: Pranab Our Bureau
Bangalore , Feb. 9 EVEN as India consolidated its place on the aviation map with the launch of Aero India 2005 here on Wednesday, the Defence Minister expressed apprehensions over sourcing military aircraft or major defence supplies from US companies because they could face the threat of sanctions. Defence co-operation is a long-term commitment which involves uninterrupted and sustained component supplies and training; it cannot be subjected to sanctions that could come about any time under the compulsions of the US administration, Mr Pranab Mukherjee said at a news conference after inaugurating the fifth biennial air show. He was answering a query related to reports of Indian interest in acquiring F-16 fighter planes from the US. The Indian Air Force has said it has sought information from its maker, Lockheed Martin, along with three other international military aircraft makers. Lockheed Martin is a participant at the Aero India show. This was why India was insisting on technology transfer and dependable sources of supplies while it was also diversifying its sources in recent years, from largely buying from Russian companies. "I'm glad that the US has shown interest in participating in defence supplies to India. We would like to have discussions, too," he added. The 2005-06 defence budget of Rs 26,000 crore would be fully used, he said. At the opening of the show, he said it was an ideal platform for Indian and other aerospace industries to showcase their capabilities. There is tremendous scope for competitively outsourcing from India, he said. Earlier, the IAF displayed its combat prowess in a colourful show of strength. The display by the Sarang team of HAL-made advanced light helicopters was the highlight. Sarang is one of the world's few helicopter aerobatics teams. The intermediate jet trainer that is being made and perfected by HAL, the Sukhois and the Suryakiran formation were also on show. The next event will be held from February 7 to 11, 2007.
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