US offers F-16s, F-18s for India's air force

Posted on: Mar. 3rd, 2006 || Source: forbes.com | E-mail Article | Print Article

US offers F-16s, F-18s for India's air force

The major defense giants are fighting a though battle to win a $9-bn fighter aircraft deal. Six companies are currently competing; Lockheed Martin (F-16), Boeing (F/A-18), French company Dassault (Rafale), EADS (Eurofighter), Saab (JAS-39 Gripen) and Russian MiG (Mig-29, Mig-35).

During President George W. Bush's visit to New Delhi, the Pentagon announced 'The United States is committed to providing state-of-the-art fighter aircraft in response to India's requirements for a multi-role combat aircraft.' And so the battle continues.

India, traditionally a customer of France and Russia, does not have any American fighter aircraft in it's current arsenal, and the Europeans like to keep it that way. Last November, EADS suddenly decided to join the bid, with it's Eurofighter Typhoon, a move the Americans see as a way to ensure that the wind blows in favour of the French.

But last month, the French had to pull out of the race, because they could no longer keep the Mirage 2000 fighter's production line open and complained India is taking too much time to make up its mind. Soon thereafter the French offered the Rafale multirole fighter instead.

The history of this battle is archived here.

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