Apr. 28th Deadline for Indian Jet Fighter Contract: Official
An Indian defence official stated on the 20th April that the deadline for the Indian Air Force jet fighter contract would definitely be the 28th April, after a previous March expiry had passed.
The Indian Air Force's need is for 126 new-generation military combat jets to replace older, Russian-built types. Six aircraft types have entered the bidding - two made in the US, one in Sweden, one in France, one in Russia and one, through a four-way international collaboration.
Speaking to the Indo-Asian News Service, the official said: "The matter has been discussed at the highest level. The deadline expires April 28.
"No request has been received for extending this and it will not be granted even if it is received at this stage."
Another official, speaking earlier, said that some of the manufacturers had asked for the deadline to be pushed back.
"The deadline has been extended on the request of some contenders, including EADS", he stated.
India to Licence-Build
Whichever aircraft-maker is chosen will supply 18 factory-fresh jets, while the remaining 108 will be built under licence by India's HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd).
It has been suggested that the ultimate aircraft order could exceed 200.
The six aircraft are as follows:
- The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon - Used by air forces the world over. To be produced as the F-16 IN with modifications including new radar
- The Boeing F/A18E/F Super Hornet - In widespread service with the US Navy. The Royal Australian Air Force has also ordered 24 examples.
- The Mig 35 - Developed from the Mig 29 series of Russian fighters especially for the Indian Air Force.
- The Eurofighter Typhoon - The RAF's latest multi role combat aircraft. Also equips Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria, while destined for Saudi Arabia, and Japan is keen.
- The Saab JAS-39 Gripen - Swedish-built multi-role fighter. In service with the Swedish, Hungarian and Czech Air Forces. Thailand and South Africa also have examples on order
- The Dassault Rafale - Manufactured in France, and produced as a land-based and a ship-borne multi-role fighter. No export orders to date.
Mig 21
The Indian Air Force needs a new type to take over from the Mig 21 - a Cold War-era design dating back to the 1950s.
Typhoon a Serious Contender: EADS
On the same day as the Indian official's confirmation of the revised deadline date, EADS - which manufactures the Typhoon - spoke of how it was a serious contender to win the contract.
EADS is scheduled to make a presentation for the press on the 24th April. Referring to this, an official from the group stated: "The event takes place four days before the deadline of the bid proposal and we want to demonstrate our clear commitment to the Indian Air Force."
Source - Armed Forces International's Aviation Expert
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