Monday, August 15 2005 17:24 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: India and Russia are to clinch a multi-million dollar deal for supply of engines for the Intermediate Jet Trainers developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).

Under the agreement to be inked between Rosoboronexport and HAL at the international aerospace show 'MAKS -2005' beginning tomorrow (Aug 16, 2005) in Zhukovsky near here (Moscow), India would buy 250 AL-55 engines for IJTs with the option of another one thousand engines to be produced under license in India, sources said.

However, officials on both sides are tight-lipped.

The AL-55 engine is being developed by Ufa-based Russian engine factory, which has been closely linked with NPO Satrun aircraft engine designing bureau.

HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja arrived here today (Aug 15, 2005) with a high-level team to participate in the Air-Show.

For the first time HAL will have its own stall in the MAKS and President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit the prestigious show tomorrow.