Teaming arrangement for single-seat light aircraft would improve production rates
Russia's two largest fighter aircraft design houses are discussing a joint bid for India's single-seat lightweight fighter requirement, with a selection expected this year. The Indian air force has an immediate need for 125 aircraft, with these to partially replace 300 MiG-21FL/M interceptors and 100 MiG-23BN fighter-bombers.
Dassault Aviation's Mirage 2000 is considered the front-runner, with the French supplier having already sold the type to India. The MiG-29M1/M2 is a leading rival, with the Saab/BAE Systems Gripen and Lockheed Martin's F-16 also being offered. New Delhi is expected to pursue a direct purchase of the successful type, in a bid to allow local industry more time to prepare the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft.
The Russian initiative is believed to stem from an Indian decision to eliminate bids from Sukhoi and NPK Irkut to supply reduced-weight versions of the Su-35 and Su-30 fighters, due to their failure to meet a requirement for an aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 25,000kg (55,000lb).
Both companies are negotiating with RSK MiG to join forces on improving the manufacturing segment of its MiG-29 bid, and could provide cash to allow it to quickly increase production rates. MiG's new general director Valery Toryanin, formerly deputy general director at Sukhoi, is understood to be more willing to co-operate than his predecessor, Nikolai Nikitin.
RSK MiG will find it difficult to manufacture 125 airframes in the relatively short timeframe requested by India, especially if the country's long-awaited acquisition of MiG-29K/KUB carrier-borne fighters is signed this month. India wants 12-20 MiG-29Ks to operate from the Admiral Gorshkov, but could eventually receive between 60 and 64 to also equip locally built ships.
Any teaming agreement with Sukhoi and NPK Irkut could result in MiG parts being produced at the KnAAPO plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and by IAPO in Irkutsk. It could also result in avionics changes to India's current MiG-29s.
Source: Flight International
