Indigenous Sukhoi-30 fighter handed over to IAF Sunday, November 28 2004 16:11 Hrs (IST)
Ozar Airbase (Nasik):
Marking a new chapter in the history of Indian Air Force (IAF), the first indigenously built multi-role fighter aircraft Sukhoi 30MKI was today (Nov 28, 2004) handed over to the force in Nasik.
Built by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) with Russian technology, the frontline twin-seater was rolled at the Ozar airbase in Nasik.
Addressing the ceremony at the sprawling air force base, Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said India's Defence policy is based on a very basic foundation and the country does not have any territorial ambition.
"We don't have any territorial ambition. We don't want to play the role of aggressor. But that does not mean we should not be careful about our Defence requirements.
"We are equally determined not to allow anyone to annex even a small portion of our land," Mukherjee said.