Even as India and France negotiate a final agreement for direct purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets, there is a renewed push by the aircraft makers left out in the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) contest to re-enter the race.
‘Make in India’ offerAt least three of the contenders — Eurofighter, Lockheed Martin and Saab — have renewed offers for production of their aircraft under ‘Make in India.’
With the government paring down the Rafale deal from 126 to 36 and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar stating that “another light aircraft” could be procured to replace the MiG-21, besides accelerating the development of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), MK-II companies see an opportunity for a comeback.
Official sources said Saab offered India the next generation Gripen NG with full technology transfer, besides collaboration in the development of LCA MK-II. Saab was also exploring the possibility of partnering private players to jointly produce Gripen in India, the sources said.
While Germany has consistently been pitching Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin has renewed its offer of making F-16 in India. This offer was renewed last month when top officials from BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin met Mr. Parrikar.
Govt. yet to respondAt the political level, the issue was raised at Mr. Parrikar’s recent discussions with his German counterpart Ursula von der Leyen and Swedish counterpart Peter Hultqvist. However, the government has not responded so far.
Air Force officials pointed to the already diverse inventory of the IAF and two new additions in the pipeline — LCA and Rafale. One official said more Rafale fighters should to be procured to make operational sense since two squadrons were too less.
