Aircraft

Russia's Nikolai Kuznetsov's Samara Scientific Technical Complex (Kuznetsov SNTK) is resuming production of its NK-12 turboprop engine under orders from the Russian and Indian defence ministries as part of a re-engining programme for their respective fleets of Tupolev Tu-95 bombers and Tu-142 maritime surveillance aircraft.

An initial six engines are due to be delivered late this year, with India having placed orders in late 2006. Moscow's upgrade programme comes in the wake of president Vladimir Putin's 17 August order to resume round-the-clock long-range air patrols. Royal Norwegian Air Force Lockheed Martin F-16 and UK Royal Air Force Panavia Tornado F3 fighters on 6 September intercepted a formation of eight Tu-95s over the North Sea.