India plans to acquire an additional two Ilyushin Il-38 surveillance aircraft from Russia and has also asked the USA to release technical information on the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Patriot PAC-3 surface-to-air missile system.

The Indian defence ministry announced late last month that it is in the process of buying the additional Il-38s to replace two navy-operated examples which were destroyed in a 2002 accident. The ministry also has confirmed plans to fund an upgrade of the navy’s three remaining Il-38s in Russia.

This is intended to extend the type’s service life by 15 years and to improve its surveillance capabilities. The aircraft form part of an Indian navy surveillance fleet which also includes eight Tupolev Tu-142s.

The Indian government also last week confirmed its interest in acquiring Patriot air-defence missile batteries, following an army request for information on the system earlier this year (Flight International, 3-9 May). New Delhi says it is assessing the system, but adds that it is still waiting to receive a technical briefing and for Washington to approve export clearance.

Industry sources say the request is being processed by US Defense Security Cooperation Agency and that a technical briefing could be scheduled as soon as next month. The Indian army has received preliminary information on the PAC-3 and is seeking more detailed data to meet a potential requirement for two to three units, which would include 12-18 launchers.

The US government is expected to approve the export of PAC-3s to India and to release the system’s anti aircraft and ballistic-missile defence capabilities. However, the Indian army, which does not currently have a missile-defence capability, has yet to decide whether it will seek to acquire the full PAC-3 package.

The service also must secure Indian government approval for the acquisition, and sources warn that politics will ultimately decide whether the deal goes ahead.

Taiwan is also seeking to acquire three PAC-3 units, but the purchase continues to be held up pending approval from the national legislature. Taiwan already operates PAC-2 systems, but is looking to add a ballistic-missile defence capability.

BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE

Source: Flight International

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