The
Indian Air Force (IAF) would finalise the multi-billion dollar contract with
Dassault Aviation of France during this fiscal (2012-13) for the supply of its
126 Rafale fighters, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said on Thursday.
“The
negotiations are absolutely on. We hope that at least this financial year we
should be able to finish the negotiations and finalise the deal,” he said.
“It is a
very complex project, as we are discussing various areas like transfer of
technology, the offset (clause), what HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd) will do
and the cost as well,” Browne told reporters on the margins of an event here.
The 126
Rafale medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) are set to phase out the
ageing MiG-21 fleet of the Soviet era and enhance the air force’s strike power.
“Costing
is also being discussed. As per the RFP requirement, costing is part of the
negotiations going on with Rafale fighter, which was selected through a global
bidding,” Browne said.
Earlier,
he received the indigenous airborne radar system - Airborne Early Warning and
Control System (AEW&C) - developed by the state-run Defence Research and
Development Organisation (DRDO) and mounted on an Embraer aircraft of Brazil
here.
Though
the cost price of the Rafale fighters has not been spelt out officially, the
deal is estimated to be $20 billion due to inordinate delays in the bidding and
selection process.
Of the
126 fighters, Dassault is expected to deliver 18 in fly-away condition and
licence the state-run defence behemoth HAL to manufacture the remaining 108
aircraft at its Bangalore complex.
Rafale
emerged the lowest of the two bidders that were short-listed, Typhoon of the
European consortium EADS Cassidian being the other contender.
When the
IAF signs the contract, it will be the first export order for Dassault as
Rafale is the frontline combat jet of the French air force.
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