NEW DELHI, Oct 5: India will acquire new aircraft, weapon systems and missiles from next year in a bid to boost the capabilities of its airforce, its chief said on Thursday.

Hawk Advanced Trainer Jets would come from Britain’s BAE Systems Plc and an Airborne Warning and Control System would be acquired by 2007, Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi told a news conference ahead of annual Air Force Day on Oct 8.

A airforce spokesman later told Reuters around 50 Hawks and three AWACS, built by Israel on Russian platforms, would be delivered next year.

Tyagi also said India was acquiring two types of missiles — medium-long range missiles and quick-reaction missiles.

“On quick-reaction missiles all negotiations are over and we are awaiting final clearance,” he said, adding the deal should be signed in a month or two.

Military analysts said India had been negotiating with Israel for the “Spyder” surface-to-air missiles to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters and unmanned drones.

India is also planning to purchase six new flight-refuelling aircraft and is also awaiting delivery of 80 medium-size helicopters from next year, Tyagi said.

Tyagi said the airforce was also looking at buying 20 Jaguars and 20 Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.—Reuters