On the 28^th August 2007, India officially opened the gates for manufacturers of military aircraft to submit bids to provide the nation's Air Force with its next generation of combat jets. The eventual deal is set to be the largest in history, with an estimated value of in excess of $10 billion. Those in the front running - according to sources within the aviation industry - include the Mig 29 and Mig 35 aircraft, made in Russia. They are joined by the US' Boeing F-18 Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-16, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab of Sweden's Gripen, and the French firm Dassault's Mirage 2000 and Rafale designs. According to Sitanshu Kar, a spokesman from the Indian Defence Ministry, "the ball is now rolling" on this prestigious contract - a component of a much wider plan under which the Indian Air Force will undergo significant modernisation.

As per local witnesses, representatives from all the companies mentioned above queued up outside the New Delhi-based headquarters of the Defence Ministry, subsequently grabbing the tender documents under which terms the proposals will now be submitted.

Detailing the plan of action once a winning design has been chosen, officials described how, out of the 126 aircraft required, 18 would be supplied directly by the winning manufacturer. The remainder, they added, would be built in India, under licence. The situation was clarified further by one particular official, who stated: "The Indian air force expects the batch of 18 planes would be supplied in flying condition and deployed at the latest by 2012".

He continued: "The fighters that will be on offer to India should be able to fulfil every required parameter from air-defence to ground and maritime attack as well as reconnaissance". The spokesman elaborated further, highlighting how an option also exists for India to acquire an additional 64 aircraft, based on the "...same terms and conditions".

All the manufacturers intending to submit proposals are required to adhere to three guiding principles: the Indian Air Force's operational requirements, a selection process based on equality and honesty, and a deal under which terms India's arms manufacturers would also benefit. The contract's principals were finalised two months ago, and received previous coverage in Armed Forces International.

Lockheed Martin, which could potentially win the contract with its hugely successful F-16 'Fighting Falcon' multi role combat jet, yesterday released a statement, in which obtaining the best deal possible for the Indian government was a focal point. "The centre-piece of our response will be a specially-tailored, robust configuration of the F-16, designed to meet Indian requirements at the lowest possible procurement and operating cost", it specified.

Earlier on in 2007, it was reported that the Indian Air Force's serviceable assets reached their lowest ever number - 576 - as compared to almost 750, seven years prior. The new contract sets a precedent, in being the first time India has invited bids from manufacturers located worldwide.

The main type to be replaced in Indian Air Force service is the veteran Mig 21, which is now over 30 years old. Other aircraft potentially in line for replacement are India's contingent of Jaguars and Sea Harrier FRS1s - supplied by Britain, but now also getting long in the tooth, and proving troublesome due to a lack of spare parts. On the basis that the US manufacturers possibly have the best shot at fulfilling India's combat jet needs, the deal could stand as a significant departure from the nation's historic reliance on aircraft of Russian origin.

Armed Forces International will continue to provide unrivalled coverage of the race to win the Indian Air Force contract as we get the facts.

Source - Armed Forces International's Asian Correspondent

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