RF interested in India participation in PAKFA project--Zelin.

NEW DELHI, September 7 (Itar-Tass) - Russia is interested in India's
participation in a project to develop an advanced aviation system of
frontline aviation T-50 (known for its Russian acronym PAKFA),
Colonel-General Alexander Zelin, Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Air
Force, said Tuesday upon arriving here for an official visit.
"Both sides are interested in this project. We, of course, would like
the Indian side to take part in it," Zelin said. "Work on the project is
under way and we shall find points of contact," he added.
Zelin pointed out, "Irrespective of whether India will participate in
the PAKFA project or not, a tentative conclusion will be received in 2013,
and the phasing of the fighter plane into service will begin in 2015".
The PAKFA project presupposes co-development of a fifth-generation
(5G) fighter plane. On the Indian side, its development will involve the
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd Corporation. The United Aircraft Construction
Corporation will take part in the project on the Russian side.
According to some estimates, both sides are to spend an aggregate of
$8,000-10,000 million on the PAKFA development. Expert opinion is that the
joint project will make it possible to strengthen the defence might of the
Air Forces of Russia and India.
Compared with the fighter planes of the previous generations, PAKFA
possesses a number of unique peculiarities, combining the functions of an
attack aircraft and fighter plane. Experts emphasize its
supermaneuverability and the power of onboard armament. The aircraft is
hard to detect by means of radars. At present, 5G combat aircraft are in
service of only the US Air Force.