New Delhi, January 24, 207 -  Decks were today cleared for India to jointly develop and produce the fifth generation figher aircraft with Russia, with New Delhi making the "final choice" on the matter and Moscow saying the work on signing contracts on the deal could begin soon as per PTI.

Observing that Russia had started developing the warplane about three years ago, visiting Deputy Premier and Defence Minister Sergei B Ivanov said "some time back, India showed interest in joining this project. It took them (India) some time to scrutinise the various options.

"Now, India has informed us that a final choice has been made. .... We can (now) open up contractual work for Indian accession to the project", Ivanov told reporters at a joint press conference with his Indian counterpart A K Antony after signing four documents as per Hindu.

Although interaction has begun now on the joint development and production of fifth generation fighter jet, the actual signing of agreements could take some more time.
The two sides signed an inter-governmental agreement and a general contract for licensed production of the RD-33 aero engines.

A protocol of intent was signed by Antony and Ivanov on the medium-sezed multi-role transport aircraft (MTA). The two leaders also signed the minutes of the sixth meeting of the Indo-Russia Inter-governmental Committee on Military Technical Cooperation.