WHAT'S HOT? –– ANALYSIS OF RECENT HAPPENINGS

WHICH FIGHTER JET?

An IDC Report 

New Delhi, 17 January 2012

French Rafale

EADS Eurofighter

The field was narrowed down to two contenders only: EADS Eurofighter and French Raphale. Media reports suggest that the calculators are out and the financial bids are being scruitinised by the MOD to decide who is offering the best financial package. The winner is likely to be announced by the end of this month.

As both the aircraft are found fit to meet the requirements of the Air Force it would make good sense to accept the most advantageous financial bid in terms of life cycle costs, standardisation of inventory and the offsets being offered by the contenders.

It may be prudent to go for the French Raphale, as we already operate the Jaguars, which are being upgraded to be operational for another 10-15 years. Also the French Scorpene submarines are being built in India and the stadardisation and maintenance components may be high.

As always it will most probably be a political decision. Having recently placed a huge order to the tune of Rs 6,600 crores to a French firm MBDA, will the Govt. plonk for the other contender? Your guess is as good as mine!

Update

The RM indicated during a press conference on 25 Jan that the fighter jets woud be purchased in the next financial year ie. after March 31, 2012, although the lowest bidder would be announced shortly.