Recent reports say, however, that India has scrapped its missile program because of the high costs and inefficiency. India reportedly will complete the more advanced projects, for example, the Astra air-to-air missile, and will continue independent development of ballistic and submarine-launched missiles.

As for other missiles, India will develop them under joint programs, such as the Russian-Indian BrahMos supersonic cruise missile project.

In spite of some successes in developing its own weapons, India still has a long way to go before it becomes fully independent in that sphere. Seeking to be less dependent on foreign suppliers, India is very selective in signing arms deals and weighs all the pros and cons very carefully. Considering the traditional Eastern way of doing business, auctions and tenders take a very long time.

Being in a position to choose its suppliers, India can afford to bargain for the best terms. That greatly increases the importance of spinoff contracts for modernization and repair of weapons. The winners of such tenders get a competitive edge in the Indian market.

From that point of view the contract for repair and modernization of India's MiG-29s and the Admiral Gorshkov deal are very important. They show that India plans to use MiG-29s for another 20-25 years. The construction of a service center and a plant for the production of aircraft engines, combined with the planned purchase of carrier-borne MiG-29Ks, boosts the chances of MiG-35 to win the tender for the supply of 126 fighter planes.

India plans to review the results of the tender, which promises the winner a $10 billion contract and a full order book for many years ahead, by the late spring of 2008. Russian planes will be competing with French and American machines.

As for complaints about the quality of arms supplied, there is no getting away from them. Like any partner with a feeling of importance, India would settle only for products that meet all its requirements. However, one should know how to tell the real failures of the Russian defense industry from artificial scandals blown up by the partners trying to drive a tough bargain, something that even experts sometimes cannot do.

(Ilya Kramnik is a military observer for RIA Novosti. This article is reprinted by permission of RIA Novosti. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's and do not necessarily represent those of RIA Novosti.)

(United Press International's "Outside View" commentaries are written by outside contributors who specialize in a variety of important issues. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of United Press International. In the interests of creating an open forum, original submissions are invited.)

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