India refuses to take delivery of Ilyushin II-38SD:Russian official

Moscow, Sep 7 (UNI) Russia today accused India of obstructing the implementation of the contract, for the delivery of five upgraded Ilyushin II-38SD (Sea Dragon) anti-submarine aircraft by putting forward 'unjustified technical demands'.

''We find nothing wrong with the Sea Dragon's targeting system.

But the Indian military won't take delivery of the aircraft suggesting additional tests and putting forward ever more requirements to the technical characteristics of the aircraft not stipulated in the contract," the CEO of the Ilyushin Aviation Complex Viktor Livanov told Interfax-AVN news agency.

Mr Livanov said ''by now two upgraded aircraft have been delivered to India, the third and fourth are ready for delivery, and the fifth will be completed in September''.

''All of the Sea Dragon's functions were proven during live tests but the Indian side continues to insist on further improvements.

However, that cannot continue indefinitely,'' he added emphatically.

UNI