With the formation of the new government in India, the prestigious $10.4 billion contract for 126 fighter planes will move towards the phase of field trials. The contenders for the deal includes Boeing’s (BA.N) F/A-18 Super Hornet, Lockheed Martin’s F-16, Russia’s MiG-35, Sweden’s Saab KAS-39 Gripen and the Eurofighter’s Typhoon.
France’s Dassault Aviation was out of the race last month as it did not fulfill technical requirements but it could be back after answering queries related to its aircraft.
Since security issues are a top priority of the newly formed government, more defence related activities, pending projects and military spending will start when the new Defence Minister takes charge. Since the acquisition of the 126 fighter planes is a top priority, it will gain precedence. The technical evaluation report on the fighters has been placed with the ministry and field trials will be held soon, said defence officials.
India has increased its defence spending by nearly a quarter in 2009/10 to $28.9 billion as the government was keen to focus on security following last November’s Mumbai attacks. It will be spending more than $30 billion over the next five years to modernise its largely Soviet-era weapons systems. The induction of the Phalcon Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACS) aircraft from Israel to track incoming missiles or enemy aircraft is also a priority.
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