5th generation fighter aircraft project with Russia delayed: Antony

According to Defence Ministry officials, the project has been stuck due to delays in deciding over the work share and the pricing issues in the project.

On the delays in the IJT project, Antony said it is “planned to replace Kiran Mk-I. Due to repeated revisions in the time line set for the IOC of IJT, and also considering the present state of the project regarding induction of the IJT in IAF it has been decided to extend the use of Kiran Mk-I.”

He said after the study of the fatigue life spectrum of Kiran Mk-I aircraft, the Regional Centre for Military Airworthiness (Aircraft) has “recommended extension of Total Technical Life of the aircraft.  This will help IAF to utilize the fleet till 2017-18, though in gradually reducing numbers.”

Antony said the project was delayed due to loss of prototype during which necessitated major changes like total redesign of the flight control system and increased number of design iteration for recovery and resolution.  

On the Life Cycle Cost approach to determine the lowest bidders in defense procurement procedure, the Minister said, “On the suggestion of Finance Ministry, action has been initiated to include the LCC model in DPP.”

“The model adopted may differ from case to case depending upon technical life of the platform, spares and maintenance requirements and other parameters,” he said.