All proposals for these aircraft, as well as Ka-31 helicopters, have already been sent
Moscow. August 22. INTERFAX-Russia is waiting for the decision of the Indian side on the purchase of additional batches of MiG-29 and Su-30 fighters, the modernization of Indian Air Force aircraft, as well as the supply of Ka-31 helicopters, the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said in an interview with Interfax.
"In 2021, a tender request was received from the headquarters of the Indian Air Force for the supply of an additional batch of MiG-29UPG fighters this year, as well as for the completion of existing aircraft in service. The commercial offer of the Russian side is now being considered by the customer, we are waiting for a decision on it, " Manturov said.
"The issue of supplying kits for the production of an additional batch of Su-30MKI aircraft requires some time to be worked out due to the need to include new aviation weapons and radio - electronic equipment in their composition," the head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade noted.
He also said that proposals for the supply of Ka-31 radar patrol helicopters were sent to Indian partners in 2020, "we are currently waiting for a decision on conducting contract negotiations."
On July 2, 2020, it became known that the Indian Defense Ministry approved a deal for the purchase of 21 MiG-29 fighters from Russia, the modernization of 59 Indian MiG-29s, as well as the production of 12 Su-30MKI fighters under license. In addition, it was reported about plans to purchase 6 Ka-31 helicopters from Russia.
The Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSVTS) of the Russian Federation expected that the contracts would be signed by the end of 2020.
The signing of these agreements was postponed due to the coronavirus, deputy head of the Federal Customs Service Vladimir Drozhzhov told Interfax in February 2021. "The lack of regular flights between the countries until recently made it significantly difficult to conduct contract negotiations. Nevertheless, the negotiation process is underway, " he said.
Also in February, Indian Ambassador to Moscow Venkatesh Varma said that Delhi expects to receive Russian MiG-29 and Su-30 this year.
"Negotiations are underway. As soon as both parties approve the price and technical specifications, we will sign a contract. I think this will happen in the near future. We expect that deliveries, if the contract is signed, can begin this year, " Varma told the Izvestia newspaper.
According to the Ministry of Defense of India, the purchase and modernization of the Mig-29 is estimated at $980 million, and the cost of acquiring Su-30MKI fighters, which will be produced under a Russian license by the Indian aircraft corporation Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, will be about $ 1.4 billion.