Analysis: India's defense sector

WASHINGTON, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- India to test Agni-I Friday

India plans to test-fire its nuclear-capable Agni-I missile on Friday, the Indian Express reported.

The test is expected to determine time and procedures required to launch a nuclear missile. The operation, which is being called a training trial, will result in the missile being inducted into the Indian army, the newspaper quoted unnamed sources as saying.

The short-range ballistic missile, which has a range of more than 435 miles, can reach targets deep inside Pakistan.

In a bid to avert another diplomatic incident, India has warned airlines of the test. In April a test of the Agni-III missile forced an Indonesian aircraft to turn back, resulting in a minor spat between the two countries.

IAF's Su-30 MKIs to be fitted with Israeli tech

The Indian Express also reported that the Indian air force was getting a squadron of Su-30 MKI aircraft fitted with Israeli reconnaissance systems that will enable India to look deep inside China without crossing the border.

The aircraft are a replacement for MiG-25s phased out by the IAF last year.

A team from Israel Aerospace Industries will integrate the Elta Reconnaissance System on the fighters at the Bareilly airbase and also set up a ground-receiving station for live images taken by the aircraft, the newspaper quoted an unnamed senior IAF officer as saying.

The air force plans to deploy the aircraft at the Tezpur base next year once Russia supplies the planes.

Israel is India’s No. 2 supplier of defense equipment. It trails Russia, which is No. 1.

New system opens up high-tech U.S. exports to India

A new validated end-user system put in place by the U.S. Commerce Department will allow U.S. exporters of high-tech equipment with possible military uses to sell to Indian buyers without licenses.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez said this week the system recognizes steps India has taken to implement an export-control system.

"This common-sense approach will make it easier for U.S. companies to sell American products to pre-screened customers in India, while maintaining vigilance over U.S. technologies," he said in a statement.

The step paves the way for increased U.S. sales of avionics and aerospace equipment to India.