India's fifth-generation fighter aircraft (FGFA), which the country is co-developing with Russia, is set to be rolled-out in 2014, the Indian air force's (IAF) top uniformed officer says.
"The first prototype of the FGFA is scheduled to arrive in India by 2014 after which it will undergo extensive trials at the Ojhar air base," Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne says. "We are hopeful that the aircraft would be ready for induction by 2022."
A second prototype is expected to arrive in India in 2017 while a third should arrive in 2019.
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India expects to sign an $11 billion development contract for the aircraft with Russia soon according to press reports in that country.
India hopes to eventually purchase some 214 of the stealthy fifth-generation fighter by 2030. The total cost of the programme is expected to cost the Indian government over $30 billion. The Indian FGFA is based on the Russian Sukhoi T-50 PAK-FA but has added features which are required by the IAF.
There are currently three PAK-FA prototypes flying in Russia. A fourth aircraft is expected to join the fleet soon.
Source: Flight International