NEW DELHI — India’s state-run military airframer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and British engine maker Rolls-Royce have rolled out plans to build a joint manufacturing facility in southern India to produce civil aircraft engine components and subsystems. “The production facility will produce components, for the technologically advanced Trent family of civil aero engines, as well as for a number of marine and energy gas turbines,” HAL said in a statement today. Production is projected to start next year.

NEW DELHI — India has issued a letter of request to buy an additional nine more C-130J transport aircraft, Defense Minister A.K. Antony told parliament Dec. 7. On Oct. 26, the Pentagon notified the U.S. Congress of a possible sale to India of six Lockheed Martin C-130Js, plus associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support, for an estimated $1.2 billion, on top of six of the airlifters ordered for the same price in 2008.

NEW DELHI — India’s indigenous Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C), which is being built on a modified Embraer EMB-145 aircraft in Brazil, made its first flight Dec. 6.