Jay Menon

India Correspondent

Delhi, India

Summary

Articles

Jay Menon
NEW DELHI — Pakistan has received the last batch of three sophisticated F-16 Block 52 fighter jets from the U.S. The three Lockheed Martin fighters delivered Feb. 6 at the Shahbaz Air Base in Jacobabad were the last of the 18 jets Pakistan had ordered. The deal’s cost is $1.4 billion for the aircraft and $1.3 billion for technical costs, including upgrades and maintenance.
Defense

Jay Menon
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.
Air Transport

Jay Menon
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.
Defense