Indian Air force awaits clearance for jet deal from government

Published: Mar 25, 2006
Source: www.dailyindia.com



Chandigarh, March 25 (IANS) The Indian Air Force (IAF) is awaiting the government's clearance for its proposal to invite bids from global aviation majors for buying 126 combat jets, a senior official said here Saturday.

'We have finalised the request for proposal for the 126 jets and given it to the defence ministry for vetting and clearance,' Air Marshal A.K. Singh, chief of the Delhi-based Western Air Command that is responsible for guarding the frontiers in Jammu and Kashmir and other states bordering Pakistan.

Speaking to a team of reporters who had accompanied him here on an official visit, Singh indicated that the proposal had been submitted to the defence ministry about a month ago.

The IAF is in the market for 126 jets to refurbish its ageing fleet that has been hit by the phasing out of older aircraft.continue..