Monday, July 11 2005 16:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Kolkata: Indian Navy is willing to procure F-35 advanced fighters from the US, but it is not interested in F-18 fighter planes because of its being not compatible to the aircraft carriers of the naval force, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Arun Prakash said here today (July 11, 2005).

''Yes. Given an offer, we will be much interested in having the F-35 fighters,'' Admiral Prakash told reporters when asked if the Navy would be willing to procure the advanced fighters from the US.

Speaking to the scribes after commissioning of warship 'INS Beas' at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, Admiral Prakash said that the F-18 aircraft, being offered by the US to the Indian armed forces, would not be relevant for the Navy.

''F-18 is a carrier-borne aircraft, but needs steam catapult (for take-off). It is not compatible to ski-jump and, therefore, not suitable for our type of aircraft carriers,'' he said.

The Naval Chief said that, on the other hand, the F-35 aircraft were of the ski-jump type and would be suitable for the Navy's aircraft carriers

Looking for acquisition of Modern Aircrafts

The Navy was also looking for acquisition of ''reconnoisseur" aircraft but not of the AWACS type,'' Admiral Prakash said, but hastened to add that plans were underway to replace the Sea Harrier fighter aircraft with Mig 29-K and light combat aircraft (LCA).

''We have one squadron of fighter aircraft Sea Harrier with the INS Virat, but it will be replaced by Mig 29-K or LCA,'' he said.

About the proposal for producing indigenously built submarines, Admiral Prakash said ''we have submitted a proposal to the government for building submarines of the Scorpene design, which is of French origin.''

Once the proposal is cleared, he said, six submarines would be produced at the Mazagon dock and the first of the lot would be rolled out six years after the government nod is obtained.

World class indigenous ships are in making

Hailing the capability of Indian shipyards in producing world-class warships, destroyers, patrol vessels, etc, he said ''work is also underway to produce indigenous Aircraft Carrier in the Cochin Shipyard.''

The Naval Chief, however, urged the domestic shipyards, which has so far produced 80 ships for the Navy, to improve productivity given the requirements of the force.

''It is not a warning, but a request that our shipyards accelerate the pace of production. While we are deeply committed to our PSUs, we just cannot allow force levels to decline. Therefore, if left with no alternative, we shall have to import warships to make up our force levels.''

Admiral Prakash also stressed on ''thinking seriously of mobilising private sector in support of the national ship-building effort.''