The Hindu : Sukhoi-30 MKI induction today

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Sep 27, 2002

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Sukhoi-30 MKI induction today

By Sandeep Dikshit

NEW DELHI SEPT. 26. The Indian Air Force will acquire a generational leap in air power with the induction of the first batch of multi-role long-range Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters tomorrow.

Having arrived in the country almost 28 months after they were promised, the Sukhois are stated to be the most potent fighter aircraft in the region. The induction of the first batch of 10 fighters will take place at an elaborate ceremony tomorrow at Pune which will be attended by the Defence Minister, George Fernandes, and the Chief of Air Staff, S. Krishnaswamy.

The specially-made-for-India Sukhoi-30 MKI (`I' stands for the Indian version) were contracted amidst much controversy, some of which was egged on by rival fighter jet aircraft manufacturers. Questions were raised about its appropriateness, cost, type of weaponry and even service life.

The crash of a Sukhoi-30 MK at the Le Bourget air show in Paris two years ago had only prompted several analysts to go into an overdrive. However at the end, India appears to have made the right choice. Although China also possesses planes from the Sukhoi family, its manufacturers had told The Hindu earlier this year that the Indian planes were a more advanced version with new radars and engines. Moreover both planes are manufactured at different plants.

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