Having rejected indigenously built 'Tejas' as too heavy, the Indian Navy has launched a Request for Information to procure 57 multi-role combat aircraft for its carrier. Last month, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba had said the "present LCA does not meet the carrier capability required by the Navy". While it has not been specified whether the Navy wants single-engine or twin-engine multi-role carrier-borne fighters, sources said that given the role mentioned, the aircraft will be a medium-to-heavy, twin-engine one. At present, the Navy operates 45 MIG-29K jets, which from time-to-time face serviceability issues. It also sought to know at what level of Transfer of Technology (ToT) and deep repair expertise the company is willing to share with India.

Source: dna January 28, 2017 12:53 UTC