Source : Times Now
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| Navy Vice Admiral SN Ghormade (Photo : ANI) |
New Delhi: As the Ukraine-Russia war continues, Navy Vice Admiral SN Ghormade today assured that the conflict would have no impact on two warships that were being constructed in Moscow’s shipyards for the Indian military. The top official also touched upon the country’s efforts to encourage indigenisation and the many projects that are currently in the pipeline.
“Idea is to develop some capabilities and build capabilities. We are continuing with Project 75 India. Trials of Rafale and Boeing F-18 have been done to prove their capability of operating from aircraft carriers. Our aim is indigenisation. We have a twin-engine deck-based fighter aircraft plan but it will take some time,” he said.
The Indian Navy has now begun the trials leading up to the purchase of either the French Rafale and the American F-18. As per another Times Now report, the DRDO is also working Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter – which will eventually be pressed into use as an alternative to either the Rafale or the F-18. While a decision s yet to be made, it will shape up to be a multi-billion dollar purchase.
Earlier on Monday a defence statement had indicated that the Indian Naval Air Squadron 324, comprising indigenously-designed and built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK-III (MR), had been commissioned into the service. The Ministry of Defence said that INAS 324 has been named “Kestrels” which are birds of prey and have good sensory capabilities symbolising the envisaged role of the helicopters and the squadron.
