Wednesday,10 February 2010  
Monday, August 03, 2009
  Ministry of Defence  
 
JOINT VENTURE FOR DEVELOPMENT OF AIRCRAFT

 
  18:57 IST  
 
  /LOK SABHA/

An Inter Government Agreement (IGA) between Government of India and Government of Russian Federation was signed for formation of Joint Venture (JV) in November 2007 to develop a new Multirole Transport Aircraft (MTA) for Defence Sector with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) as the Indian Partner. A preliminary project report prepared in 2006 envisaging a development cost of USD 600 million for a transport aircraft of weight class 20 tons. It is expected that commencement of production of the aircraft will take seven to eight years from ‘Go Ahead’ sanction.

No agreement has been signed between European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) and India to enhance cooperation in aerospace and defence Sector. However, Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has entered into a contract with EADS for consultancy on LCA, specifically for flight testing.

This information was given by Minister of Defence Minister Shri AK Antony in a written reply to Shri Bhaijayant Jay Panda in Lok Sabha today.

SAMEER / RAJ