Russia hardsells MiGs to IAF

Published: Mar 20, 2006
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com



Recently, the French had to pull their Mirage fighter out of a 126 fighter aircraft deal with India. Shortly thereafter they offered the more modern but expensive Rafale multi-role fighter instead.

Besides the French, other European nations are trying to sell the Eurofighter, the United States offers it's F/A-18 Hornet, F-16 and possibly the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter to India.

Last week, the Russians also made it clear they're still in the race, by telling New Delhi that MiG-29M2s were "1.5 times cheaper" than new entrants in the race like Rafale.

"Russians have their problems of delayed projects and unreliable spare supply but they give access to everything, unlike the Americans," says an officer.

Related stories to this Indian Air Force fighter competition is archived here.continue..