By IDI

With the ongoing China-India standoff on the northern border, India and Russia is expected to sign the much talked contract for purchase of MiG-29 and Su-30 MKI before the end of this year. Russian media informed quoting officials that work on the AK-203 and Igla-S is also moving at fast pace.

Dimitry Shugaev, Director of Director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC), apex Russian body for international defence cooperation, said,  "Everything is going smoothly with the Indian partners. There is a good order portfolio equal to about 15 billion.”

He said while talking to Russian media.

“The production of AK-203 at the joint venture is on the way. I hope that in the near future an agreement will be signed for the production and supply of Igla-S", he added.

In 2018, India selected fire and forget Igla-S for its competitive bid for very short range air defence (VSHORAD) system.

The Indo-Russian Rifles Pvt Ltd, a partnership between Indian Ordnance Factory Board and Russian Kalashnikov Concern, will manufacture around 7.5 lakh rifles. 

While talking to Russian news agency Interfax, Maria Vorobyeva of (FSMTC) informed that India has decided to accelerate fund release for the purchase of MiG-29UPG, Su-30MKI fighters and Ka-31 helicopters.

“The talks are already going on. We expect, that the contracts, including the one on six Ka-31 helicopters, are signed before the end of year 2020", Vorobyeva said.

To augment its depleting fighter strength, India is purchasing 21 MiG-29 and 12 Su-30MKI. Similarly, six Ka-31 airborne early warning (AEW) helicopters are expected to be deployed on the Indian aircraft carriers and tfrigates.

Speaking on the supply of the much awaited S-400 long-range-surface-to-air-missiles, Voroboyeva said that the first batch is expected by the end of next year.

According to her, two sides can discuss the possibility of delivery schedule of subsequent batches.