RUSSIA-FIGHTERS 2 LAST

The Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
(HAL) has a 25 per cent share of design and development work
in FGFA, with India contributing largely to composites,
cockpit and avionics.
The Indian systems onboard would be mission computers,
navigation systems, most of the cockpit displays, the counter
measure dispensing. The Russian expertise in Titanium
structures would be complimented by India's experience in
composites for the new fighter.
The Indian version of the futuristic fighter will also
have weapon of Indian origin including Astra, the beyond
visual range missile being developed by the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO).
At the initial stages, 500 FGFA are to be developed
with options kept open for both Russian and Indian Air Force.
While the Russian military has ordered 200 single seaters and
50 twin seaters, the IAF has projected 200 twin seaters and 50
single seaters. PTI