NEW DEFENSE DEALS BETWEEN OLD FRIENDS

[johnmathew_3000]

Tuesday, February 5, 2002 (New Delhi):


Declaring that India and Russia were poised for a "quantum leap" in military-to-military cooperation, visiting Russian Deputy Prime Minister Illya Klebanov today said he had brought new proposals for joint research and production of futuristic weapon system.

"I have brought proposals for a new strategic partnership for joint venture with equal financial stakes in combined research, development and production of high tech weapons," Klebanov, who is heading a high-level Russian defence delegation, told newsmen on his arrival in the capital.

Saying that India and Russia should move beyond arms sales, he said time has come for the two countries to join hands in developing futuristic weapon systems especially for Navy and Air Force.

Citing recent success in test-firing of jointly developed Brahmos cruise missiles, Klebanov said India and Russia should venture into development and production of fifth generation fighters as well as civilian aircraft.

Klebanov, who will call on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and meet Defence Minister George Fernandes, External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, visualized joint venture in civil and military fields as part of strategic partnership.

On Indo-Russian relations, Klebanov said the ties between "old friends are very good" and "are immune to global changes."

During Klebanov's visit, the two countries are expected to sign a defence protocol to pave the way for leasing of two Russian long range nuclear submarines and two TU-22 maritime nuclear capable bombers to India besides purchase of spares and procurement needed in connection with the present mobilization of troops on the border.

Klebanov's talks with the Indian leadership are also likely to clear the decks for a final agreement on the acquisition of 44000 tonn Kiev Class Aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.

An advance teams of Russian defence experts arrived here on Sunday to do the ground work for signing of defence protocol as well as for emergency arms purchase.

The likely lease of two Shchuka Bar Class nuclear propelled SSBN submarines capable of launching ballistic and cruise missiles, could be for a period of five years and would give India the most crucial third leg of the nuclear triad.

Indian Navy has already acquired the capability of operating nuclear submarines on the earlier Russian leased out INS Chakra Class nuclear submarines in the 1980s.

The talks between Klebanov and Fernandes are to be followed by delegation level talks in which besides the defence ministry officials top brass from the Navy and Airforce will also take part.

Klebanov will also meet Finance Minister Yashwant Sinha and sign an economic protocol. (PTI)

[IaBHOREgUNS]

It's SO damn! The creature from the cooperation is a part of #### which eventually ruin our lives... Why don't they(NOT we) remove all ####s?

I abhore all intelligence agents.....We didn't agree them to have authority which they can cheat us.

[Edited by IaBHOREgUNS on 9th February 2002 at 00:09]

[IaBHOREgUNS]

God, please give them a life...

[johnmathew_3000]

What the heck are you talking about?