Indian defence minister George Fernandes has ordered a probe of defence deals over the past 15 years following a series of corruption allegations. A deal to supply the Indian army with howitzers has been at the centre of similar investigations for several years.
The biggest Indian air force programme to come under scrutiny is the supply of 50 Sukhoi Su-27/Su-30s. It is unclear whether the probe will consider delays over selection of Su-30 avionics.
New Delhi reports quote air force chief of staff Air Chief Marshal Yaswant Tipnis as saying the Advanced Jet Trainer programme will not be included in the probe. India has shortlisted the BAE Systems Hawk and Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet for the 60-aircraft requirement.
Source: Flight International
