NEW DELHI, Feb. 12 (UPI) -- Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony has informed Parliament of delays in a joint fighter project with Russia.
Antony reported that not only the joint project with Russia to co-develop Fifth General Fighter Aircraft (FGFA), but the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Tejas) and Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) programs have also been delayed, the Press Trust of India reported on Tuesday.
In reply to a written query Antony said, "There have been delays in the indigenous development of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA-Tejas) and the FGFA." Antony added that because of the delays in the Intermediate Jet Trainer program, the government had decided to extend the use of the Kiran-MkI trainer aircraft till 2017-18.
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 Initial Operational Clearance of the IJT, and also considering the present state of the project regarding induction of the IJT in the Indian Air Force, it has been decided to extend the use of Kiran Mk-I."
