A panel of government ministers has recommended approving a debt restructuring plan for Air India and issuing bonds with a sovereign guarantee worth 74 billion rupees ($1.5 billion). “The proposal will go to the federal cabinet for a final approval soon,” said Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh. Currently, Air India has a total debt of 437.77 billion rupees, including loans and money due to vendors, such as oil companies and airport operators.

NEW DELHI — The Indian air force (IAF) is studying present and future requirements for unmanned aerial vehicles in its fleet. “We are ready to induct more drones in view of their capability to perform specific tasks on the borders,” says IAF training command chief Air Marshal Dhiraj Kukreja. “We can have more of them if the government sanctions additional funds, as there is a cost factor to it.” Acquisition of the latest combat aircraft and warfare systems, including drones and missiles, is a continuous process.

NEW DELHI — With French firm Dassault Aviation on the brink of signing a multibillion-dollar order to supply 126 Rafale fighter jets to the Indian air force (IAF), the Indian government may choose to enlarge the contract by adding 60 more aircraft. The size of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) contract could eventually increase, as there is a provision for boosting the order by 50% without any increase in unit price, a defense ministry official says.