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The Indian Air Force (IAF) is likely to submit its assessment report on field trials for a $10.4 billion (around Rs48,760 crore) fighter aircraft deal to the defence ministry within the next few days, according to officials familiar with the development.
Six manufacturers--European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Dassault Systemes SA, Saab AB and RSK MiG--are in contention for the deal involving the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA).
The ministry may draw up a shortlist of three or four by December or January, industry sources indicated. Ministry officials declined to comment on this. "Whichever player meets the technical requirements will remain in the fray," said an official requesting anonymity. "We cannot put a definite number to it."
The first batch of fully built 18 aircraft are expected to enter service between 2014 and 2017. Subsequently, semi-knocked down versions are likely to be inducted in batches of 18 each year till 2024. These dates could change depending on when the actual deal is signed.
"Usually, it takes about four-six months after the shortlist, but at the end of the day it is a political decision, so the deal could face delays and in the worst-case scenario, might even drag on till the end of 2012," a defence analyst told Mint.
The fourth largest air force in the world is targeting a combat aircraft squadron strength of 42 by 2022. It has only 30-32 such operational squadrons at any given time, against an officially mandated 39.
:: Bharat-Rakshak.com - Indian Military News Headlines ::
Six manufacturers--European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. (EADS), Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., Dassault Systemes SA, Saab AB and RSK MiG--are in contention for the deal involving the purchase of 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA).
The ministry may draw up a shortlist of three or four by December or January, industry sources indicated. Ministry officials declined to comment on this. "Whichever player meets the technical requirements will remain in the fray," said an official requesting anonymity. "We cannot put a definite number to it."
The first batch of fully built 18 aircraft are expected to enter service between 2014 and 2017. Subsequently, semi-knocked down versions are likely to be inducted in batches of 18 each year till 2024. These dates could change depending on when the actual deal is signed.
"Usually, it takes about four-six months after the shortlist, but at the end of the day it is a political decision, so the deal could face delays and in the worst-case scenario, might even drag on till the end of 2012," a defence analyst told Mint.
The fourth largest air force in the world is targeting a combat aircraft squadron strength of 42 by 2022. It has only 30-32 such operational squadrons at any given time, against an officially mandated 39.
:: Bharat-Rakshak.com - Indian Military News Headlines ::
