India: No Chinese parts in U.S. planes

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NEW DELHI, Dec. 12 (UPI) -- India's Defense Ministry denies Chinese suppliers provided parts to aircraft bought from the United States.

Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony told Parliament, "The Indian air force has acquired a list of suppliers from the U.S. government with respect to aircraft procured from the USA and none of the suppliers are found to be Chinese manufacturers."

The aircraft in question are C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and the Poseidon P-8 surveillance plane, built by Boeing.

"While government is aware of certain media reports regarding possible usage of Chinese counterfeit electronic parts in military aircraft manufactured in the U.S., no P8I aircraft has so far been delivered to India," Antony said.

"Moreover, during the last four years of operation of the U.S. defense equipment, including C-130J transport aircraft, the IAF have not encountered any faulty spare parts and equipment."

India purchased the C-130J Hercules and Poseidon P-8 under the Foreign Military Sales program with the United States.