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Clarification on Hindu article on AJT

Viktor Kucera, vice-president, Marketing and Sales, Aero Vodochody, writes:

This is regarding the article `Sanctions-proof offer on AJT?' (The Hindu, April 9).

Allow us to express our thanks to highlight the need for the Indian Government to induct Advanced Jet Trainers as well as representing the details of our offer to the Indian Government.

However, the article ends with what seems to be a speculative observation on the fact that Aero's offer of "safety stock of critical components" might increase the expenditure and saddle the Indian Air Force with excess inventory.

Such apprehensions are baseless. India would save up to $ 400 million if it decides to go ahead with L159B. Such possible savings are too significant to ignore.

While Aero Vodochody would forward technology transfer to HAL for most of the components, the production of critical components can also be shifted to India in due course of time as per the licensing policies of the States. Hence, the amount of safety stock required should not be very substantial.

All of the L159B U.S. suppliers have ensured complete support to the Indian AJT project. The offer of "safety stock" is being made to counter even any "perceptual fears" on the U.S. dependence of L159B.

At the same time, it should be remembered that even BAE could likely be under the management control of U.S. shareholders.

It is being emphasised again that the risks and costs of using older technology for trainers could be much higher as compared to advanced new-generation L159B.

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