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Hawk deal by March: Fernandes

Union Defence Minister George Fernandes Wednesday disclosed that a deal to acquire British Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft would be finalised before the end of the current financial year (2000-01) or by March-end.

At a crowded media gathering on the inaugural day of the Aero India 2001 mega air show at the Air Force station in Yelahanka, on the city's outskirts, Fernandes said the price negotiating committees of both countries were on the verge of completing discussions to arrive at a price, which India has been bargaining hard for with the UK Government.

"We hope to clinch the deal within a month and all going well by the end of this fiscal year as discussions on all other parameters are complete," Fernandes asserted.

India is set to acquire 66 Hawk AJTs for induction into the air force, to train seasoned pilots in combat exercises. According to air force sources, some AJTs will be based at Bidar air station in northern Karnataka.

On the acquisition of a new aircraft to mount a surveillance radar for early warning control systems, Fernandes said no decision had been taken on whether to go in for a collaboration with Russian or Israeli companies.

"Indigenous efforts to have a surveillance system received a setback when an aircraft with the radar mounted on it crashed in Tamil Nadu two years ago. Efforts are on to develop our own systems by reviving the programme."

Referring to interest shown by Russia in providing technical know-how to the LCA project, Fernandes said, ''We appreciate the concern shown by the Russians, but we intend to collaborate with developing countries in south-east Asia as it would enable India to take up its production on a long-term basis to achieve the economies of scale.''

"Productionising of the LCA or even that of the Advanced Light Helicopter will to be to the advantage of India, which can proudly boast of best aviation technologies, including software and high-skilled manpower. In view of our cost of production being much lower than other countries, especially advanced nations, collaboration with our defence units will be competitive. Even our products will be cheaper."

On whether he fears a cut in defence expenditure for 2001-02 in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Gujarat that may force the finance minister to allocate more funds for reconstruction, Fernandes said defence preparedness cannot be held hostage for various problems faced by the country.

"At no cost will we allow a cut-back in the defence budget as the nation's safety and security cannot be compromised. I'm confident that the finance minister will keep this in mind and give us what we have asked for," Fernandes said.

The defence minister, however, admitted that the IAF air base in Bhuj suffered a substantial loss of men and property due to the quake. "We have not only lost about 150 lives, including kith and kin, but also equipment at the air force station. At the same time, the Bhuj air strip has been repaired and made operational for landing of flights, including relief planes brining in aid to the quake victims. Radar stations at Jamnagar, Nadia, and Bhuj are also intact and functioning."

Fernandes also denied that the test of Agni II missile last month was timed to coincide with the visit of Chinese ex-premier Li Peng to India. "The test had nothing to do with his visit as it was planned long before Li's programme was made known to us."

Defending the missile programme, Fernandes said the tests would be carried on schedule. New versions were on the anvil, he added.

As part of the Sukhoi-30 acquisition deal from the Russian company, the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will be collaborating jointly with the Sukhoi Design Bureau for manufacturing the multi-role fighter aircraft in India.

"As of now, the Russian-made Sukhoi jets are equipped with the avionics (read software) developed by Indian orgnisations in association with French companies. HAL will start producing the Sukhois in future."

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