Only about 55 percent of India's military aircraft are in operational order, with a large number grounded due to technical issues according to reports.

The surprisingly dismal state of India's military aircraft fleet was reported to a parliamentary panel by Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in a notice, according to The Economic Times. This means just over 350 of India's 700 combat aircraft are cleared to take flight.

"During the period from January to December 2014, the average aircraft availability was approximately 55 percent," the Defense Ministry told Parliament. "Between 15-20 percent of the aircraft fleet were Aircraft on Ground (AOG) due to shortage of spares."

Technical issues have also affected India's fleet of Russian-made Su 30 MKI, with only about half the aircraft in working order. Russia and India are set to sign a follow-up contract for the delivery of spare parts to alleviate the issues.

Parrikar told The Economic Times he aims to increase the availability of India's combat aircraft to 65 percent.

Indian Army to acquire Apache targeting and pilotage sensors
Orlando, Fla. (UPI) Dec 17, 2015 - The U.S. Army has awarded Lockheed Martin a foreign military sale contract to provide Apache helicopter targeting systems to the Indian Army.

Under the contract, valued at $107.8 million, Lockheed Martin will provide 23 Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor systems, which support pilotage capabilities for Apache helicopter pilots. Work on the contract will be performed in Lockheed Martin's facilities in Orlando, Fla., and Ocala, Fla.

"Our high-performing, reliable sensor system for the Apache helicopter will give Indian Army aviators the ability to acquire, engage and destroy adversary threats from extended ranges," said Lockheed martin program director Mike Taylor. "The capability that our sensor provides results in enhanced aircraft survivability, pilot safety and mission success."

The Modernized Target Acquisition Designation Sight/Pilot Night Vision Sensor system, also know as M-TADS/PNVS, is an electro-optical fire control system integrated on an AH-64D/E Apache helicopter.

The system provides pilots targeting and pilotage data in an effort to enhance situational awareness. India's purchase of the system makes the coutnry the fifteenth international customer to do so.

Lockheed Martin has produced and delivered over 1,300 units and spares to the U.S. Army and other customers.