India intends to purchase in the near future two aircraft AWACS, a joint Israeli-Russian production in addition to the three already ordered, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the Times of India.
“The draft contract for the delivery of two new AWACS is in the final stage of development,” – said informed sources at the Ministry of Defense. The total cost of these two planes is estimated at $ 800 million.
In 2004, India, Israel and Russia signed a trilateral agreement to supply the Indian Air Force systems of three Phalcon airborne early warning Israel of production, allowing to detect aerial targets at ranges up to 400 kilometers, which are installed on Russian Il-76. In Russia, the AWACS aircraft based on Il-76 for India, called the A-50EI. The total cost of the agreement was evaluated in the press $ 1.1 billion.
According to the newspaper, the new contract to supply two AWACS aircraft is considered a continuation of this agreement.
Intention to purchase two additional aircraft AWACS possibly caused by the fact that the long-standing enemy India – neighboring Pakistan – acquired four Swedish AEW SAAB-2000 and is awaiting delivery of first AWACS aircraft has four Chinese-made ZDK-03.
via India will buy two Russian-Israeli AWACS aircraft – News – Russian Aviation – RUAVIATION.COM.