BANGALORE (India). Feb 11 (Interfax-AVN) - Rosoboronexport has proposed pursuing new more extensive joint projects in air defense and missile defense with Indian partners in parallel with their already successful cooperation in army air defense arrangements, Viktor Komardin, deputy general director of Russia's arms exporter, told journalists.
"As for the issue of air defense and missile defense systems installed in territories and at crucial facilities, India has begun developing its own forces based on other countries' scientific and technological principles. It has made good progress in this area. Given this situation, it is difficult for us to agree upon certain projects, unlike, for instance, India's [market for] army air defense systems, where we have a very strong foothold," Komardin said on the sidelines of the Aero India 2009 international air show in Bangalore on Wednesday.
There is a demand for Russian-designed air defense systems such as Igla portable systems and Tunguska systems in the Indian army, he said.
"As for more extensive air defense and missile defense arrangements, simply purchasing our expensive systems does not suit India, although it has been modernizing its own forces. They would find joint development and production efforts more attractive. We, for our part, are making offers all the time," Komardin said.
Rosoboronexport is ready to stage a presentation of its air defense systems for Indian partners, he added.