New Delhi, December 23, 2005 (PTI)

The government on Thursday said it was in discussion with Russia for joint development and manufacture of fifth generation fighter aircraft.

In a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee said Russia had proposed joint development and manufacture of fifth generation fighter aircraft.

"Talks have been held between India and Russia in this regard. The discussions are at a preliminary stage," he said adding no time limit for taking a decision in the regard could be indicated.

To another question on the defence cooperation between India and France, he said no agreement has been signed yet.

"Both countries are holding discussions with a view to finalising a framework agreement on defence cooperation," he said.

On the issue of an agreement with China for military exercises in the Indian Ocean, Mukherjee said India had not signed any such pact.

Replying to another question, he said Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has completed preliminary designs of various subsystems for develpoing the indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system costing Rs 1,800 crore, which was sanctioned in October last year.

"AEW&C is likely to be developed by April 2011," he added.

About the installation or industion of indigenously develpoed Towed Array Sonar Nagan System, he said technical trials of the system had been completed onboard front line ship of Indian Navy.