Mirage 2000-5 MkII for India

Hi gang,
I found the following story. I´ve thrown caution to the wind and have decided to post it!

India Press Information Bureau; issued Nov. 27, 2002)

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited along with the Indian Air Force has participated in joint technical discussions with Dassault Aviation, Thales and Snecma, France to assess the feasibility of production and transfer of technology for manufacture of Mirage 2000-5 MK II aircraft.

The discussions are at a preliminary stage.

It would not be in the interest of national security to disclose the information about the time schedule by when the Air Force is going to get Mirage 2000 fighters fitted with air-to-air refueling capability.

The Indian Air Force propose to procure IL-78 Flight Refueling Aircraft. These will be delivered by December 2003.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has purchased reconditioned engines for MiG-21 after thorough scrutiny of their health by a team of experts. However, no second hand spares for MiG-21 have been purchased by the IAF.

As per preliminary investigation, the crashes of two MiG-21s in September this year were due to malfunction of main fuel pump and not due to spares. The exact causes of accidents are under joint investigation by specialist from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, IAF, Centre for Military Air Worthiness Certification and Director General Aeronautics Quality and Assurance.

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India in its latest report for the year ended March 31, 2001 has pointed out that Government made unnecessary procurement of missiles for Kargil operations. The matter is under consideration of Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, where the Ministry’s reply has been submitted.