Indian Government News, European aerospace and defence company EADS, which manufactures Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft, is all set to enter the race for a contract of 126 fighter planes of Indian Air Force.
“We have received the RFP (request for proposals) of the IAF and we will be bidding by the end of the year,” EADS Senior Vice President for South Asia Allain Letanoux said in Paris.
The EADS manufactures Eurofighter Typhoon, a multi-role and swing-role combat aircraft, under a joint programme of France, UK, Italy and Germany.
Projecting Eurofighter as the “most capable frontline fighter available”, Letanoux said EADS would offer transfer of technology as part of the package to get the deal.
The Indian government issued the RFP for purchase of 126 fighter aircraft about a month back.
Eurofighter Typhoon would be competing with F-16 of America's Lockheed Martin, Rafale of French Dassault, Gripen JAS-39 of Swedish SAAB and Mig-35 of Russian Aircraft Corp.
Hoping that the Indian government would select Eurofighter, Letanoux said “We are more flexible than Americans. Transfer of technology will be a key element of the EADS bid… I am sure the Indian authorities will choose the best planes.”
The company presents Eurofighter as an “extraordinary plane” with highly agile air superiority and air-to-surface, multi-role/swing-role capabilities.
Asked whether he apprehended that growing political relations between India and the US might torpedo EADS' ambition, he said “we also have good relations with India.”
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