Bidders for Indian MMRCA showcase high points at airshow

BERLIN: The competition has intensified among bidders for the lucrative Indian multi-role combat aircraft contract following the International Aerospace Exhibition, where manufacturers showcased their high points to woo the Indian government which is in process of evaluating bids.

Several high-level discussions were held with the bidders for the contract for 126 aircraft billed at more than USD 10 billion during the the exhibition here, which concluded today, Indian government, military and aviation industry sources said.

The government is in the process of evaluating bids submitted by aircraft manufacturers till April 28, the last date under request for proposals (RPF) and in accordance with the Defence Procurement Policy (DPP) of 2006, mandating 50 per cent offsets and transfer of technology, the sources said.

However, a decision is likely only after the new DPP, which is expected to liberalise the procurement policy, will be published in the coming months.

Some of the bidders were critical of the clause for 50 per cent options, which meant more aircraft and periodic mission upgrades over the stipulated 40-year life period of the aircraft, which will drive the actual cost of the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) programme much higher.

Meanwhile, the European Aeronautics, Defence and Space Company (EADS), which manufactures the Eurofighter Typhoon - one of the front-runners for the contract - launched a new campaign at the exhibition to clinch the deal by renewing its offer of partnership with India in Europe's most prestigious defence programme.

India is a "preferred partner country" for the EADS, its CEO Louis Gallois said here.