Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) is expected to play a minimal role in the joint development of a fifth generation fighter by India and Russia. Seen here is an artist's impression of a fifth generation fighter by India and Russia.

December 05, 2008, (Sawf News) - Hindustan Aircraft Limited (HAL) is expected to play a minimal role in the joint development of a fifth generation fighter by India and Russia.

The formal contract between the countries to develop the fighter is expected to be signed at the beginning of 2009, the head of the United Aircraft Corporation said on Friday, December 5. The first prototype of the aircraft is expected to fly later that year.

"We are planning to conclude the contract at the beginning of next year," Alexei Fedorov said.

Under an intergovernmental agreement signed in October 2007, Sukhoi, which is part of Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), along with India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), will develop a fifth-generation fighter.

Russia and India will simultaneously develop two versions of the combat aircraft - a two-seat version to meet the requirements of India's air superiority policy, and a single-seat version for the Russian Air Force.

Sukhoi has already started construction of a prototype which is expected to feature super maneuverability, super cruise, stealth and precision in destroying ground and sea targets.

Flight tests of the fighter are due to begin as early as 2009, and the aircraft may go into production by 2015.

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