Klebanov to ink T-90 tank deal

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, FEB. 12. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Ilya Klebanov, is arriving in India on Tuesday to sign a major tank deal and prepare the agenda for key defence talks next month.

The deal provides for the purchase of 310 T-90 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) at a cost of between $ 600 to $ 700 millions. Russia will deliver 124 tanks in fully-assembled state and the remaining 186 in semi-knocked down and completely knocked down state, diplomatic sources said here. The first batch is expected to be inducted this year.

The contract also includes a licence for the production of more T-90s at the Avadi ordnance factory, which has been manufacturing T-72 tanks, with Russia supplying engines, fire control systems and some other components.

The acquisition of Russia's latest MBTs, rated to be the best in the world, will give the Indian Army's strike corps an edge over Pakistani formations, which recently have been armed with Ukranian T-80U tanks.

During his three-day visit, Mr. Klebanov, who oversees the defence industry sector in the Russian Government, will meet the Defence Minister, Mr. George Fernandes, the National Security Adviser, Mr. Brajesh Mishra, and other Government officials. The sides will discuss the agenda of the first meeting of the Joint Indo-Russian Commission on Military-Technical Cooperation. The commission, set up last year, is likely to meet in Moscow next month under the co-chairmanship of Mr. Fernandes and Mr. Klebanov.

While in India, Mr. Klebanov will sign an aviation safety accord. It provides for standardisation of air worthiness, maintenance and certification of aircraft and will facilitate joint development and production of civil aircraft by the two countries. The pact will also help Aeroflot, Russian international airlines, to secure an increase in its passenger and transport service from Moscow to New Delhi.

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Section  : International
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