Friday, June 16 2006 18:56 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Moscow: India and Russia are expected to sign a deal on swapping 18 older Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jets in service with the Indian Air Force for the latest version of the aircraft.

The deal is expected to be inked during parleys to be held here by Defence Secretary Shekhar Dutt, who arrived here today on a two-day visit.

During his talks with top Russian defence officials, Dutt is also expected to review progress on ongoing long-term military projects including Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) project for developing indigenous nuclear submarine.

Under the initial agreement signed in late 1990s, 18 Su-30 fighters of K and MK series were to be brought to Russia for upgradation to the latest MKI variant with full multi-role capabilities.

The Sukhoi SU-30s are produced by Irkut Corporation. Earlier this month, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi had visited Irkut Cooperation's Irkutsk aircraft plant in Siberia to inspect 12 Su-30MKI fighters ready for shipment under the estimated USD 600 million deal.

According to President of Irkut Corporation Oleg Demchenko, his company is ready to execute the fighter swap deal with India and is likely to pre-pone the execution of deal for the licensed production of 140 fighters by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited from 2014 to 2012.