The United States has indicated that it would lease two PC-3 maritime patrol aircraft, Orion, to India, Indian Defense Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Wednesday.

However, India has received no formal offer to this effect so far. The minister made it clear that they would take a formal decision to this effect only after India receives the proposal and has studied it, reported PTI.

The minister also said that Indian Air Force plans to upgrade MIG-29, Mirage-2000, AN-32, il-76 transport aircraft and Mi-17/Mi- 17 IV helicopters during its 10th and 11th five-year plans.

India has lost up to 21 Mig-21 aircraft in accidents in the last three years.

It is reported that the Indian Air Force and Singapore Air Force plan to hold three-week joint exercises in January, 2006.

Source: Xinhua