India plans to buy 3 radar reconnaissance aircrafts A-50 in Russia

AEW&C aircrafts A-50 are used to detect and track air targets and surface vessels, warn automated systems of command posts and to control airplanes in sighting

 

India plans to buy three airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircrafts A-50 in Russia, a source in Russian governmental military and industrial commission told ITAR-TASS on Friday.

In 2003 India has already ordered three such warplanes and the contract was fulfilled in 2010.

“India is mulling possible delivery of another three AEW&C aircrafts, talks are on now,” the commission’s source said. He did not specify a timeline planned for a deal to strike.

 

The delivery of AEW&C aircrafts is planned “in the same configuration” as under the agreement in 2003, he said.

 

Meanwhile, the source added that after the A-50 delivery a contract for their maintenance was signed with India, “warplanes pass it successfully with assistance of Russian specialists.”

 

A-50 built on the base of a military transport airplane Ilyushin Il-76MD was brought into service in 1989. AEW&C aircrafts A-50 are used to detect and track air targets and surface vessels, warn automated systems of command posts and to control airplanes in sighting.

Russian, Central Asian Pilots in Air Defense Drills

Russian and Central Asian military pilots are carrying out joint exercises to repel missile strikes over Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Russian Defense Ministry Air Force spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Deryabin said on Friday.

The Clear Sky 2012 military exercises get underway on Friday and run through October 16, with planned scenarios including intercepting cruise missile attack.

MiG-31 log-range interceptors, A-50U airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft, Il-76 heavy transport planes, as well as anti-aircraft missile systems and radio equipment will be used in these training exercises.