LOK SABHA
The Light Combat
Aircraft (LCA) programme is in advanced stage of flight testing
on two technology demonstrator aircraft. Sanction has also been
accorded for building five additional prototypes of LCA for further
accelerated flight testing to achieve Initial Operational Clearance
by the year 2005-2006. The LCA has been designed and developed
against requirements of Air Force to replace MiG-21 aircraft.
This information
was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written
reply to Shri AP Jithender Reddy in Lok Sabha today.
JOINT EXERCISE WITH USA
Paratroopers
of the Indian army participated in Joint Exercises with US Army
in Alaska, USA. One platoon with one aircraft IL-76 participated
in the exercise. Consequent upon Indo-US Defence Policy Group
and Military Cooperation Group Meetings held in May 2002, future
exercise between Special Forces and Paratroopers of both countries
would be finalized in the next Executive Steering Group Meeting
to be held in December 2002. A joint exercise with US Special
Forces is being planned in Jungle terrain, in April 2003.
This information
was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written
reply to Shri G Ganga Reddy in Lok Sabha today.
