On the capabilities of the Chinese Y-20 aircraft, Browne

said, "It appears to be a strategic airlift aircraft in the class of perhaps C-17 with 70 tonnes load carrying capability." He said the engines on the Chinese machine seemed to be Russian DPK-02, which are also used to power the Ilyushin-76 aircraft but not as good as the ones on the C-17. The IAF chief said it is to be seen how it performs the strategic roles in the future. On the Israeli 'Iron Dome' missile protection system, he said it was used effectively against the Palestinian small rocket attacks but Indian borders were far too long. He said the Iron Dome "was not an answer to the Indian environment." Asked to explain his recent remark for imposing penalties on delays in completion of defence projects, Browne said such penalties were imposed in other countries and they act as a deterrent against such companies. He suggested that a clause in this regard should be included in the Indian procurement procedures also. On the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft programme, he said the project would enter the "mother of all phases" next month as India and Russia discuss the research and development phase of it. Browne said the production of the aircraft is expected to begin only in 2022.