NEWS

Thrill in Bangalore air

February 8, 2007, The Asian Age

Bangalore, Feb. 7: The much-awaited Aero India 2007 aerospace exhibition began in Bangalore on Wednesday, even as defence minister A.K. Antony revealed that the request for proposal (RFP) for procurement of 126 multi-role combat aircraft was in its "final stages" and said it could be out "any moment".

Interacting with reporters at the Aero India event at Bangalore on Wednesday, Mr Antony said, "The RFP is in its final stages. You can expect it at any moment. It will be out as soon as possible." Agreeing that the "Indian system of arms procurement is time-consuming", he pointed out that there was a need for total transparency "in order to avoid corruption".

The defence minister’s comments have added to the expectations of numerous frontline aircraft companies in the world which have flocked to the Bangalore Aero India show ahead of this mega-deal. These companies include American companies Lockheed Martin (makers of the F-16 aircraft), Boeing (F-18), the Russian MiG (MiG-35), the European Eurofighter consortium (Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft) and the Swedish Gripen aircraft.

In fact, the defence minister announced that there would be armament acquisitions worth $8-10 billion and that "procedures were on" in this regard. He, however, made it clear that there should be technology transfer from foreign suppliers and that Indian companies should be involved in design, development and co-production. The defence minister pointed out that India cannot be the "buyer" in perpetuity in a "buyer-seller relationship" and that the DRDO and other agencies were also working on indigenously developed weapon systems.

"The modernisation of the armed forces is the most important priority for this (UPA) government. We have improved relations with all our neighbours, including China and Pakistan. (But) eternal vigil is a necessity. Only through strong deterrence can we prevent war," asserted Mr Anthony.

For the first time, American companies like Lockheed Martin and Boeing are competing strongly for the mega-deal of 126 fighter aircraft to be procured by the Indian Air Force. This is in the wake of the close military ties now between India and the US. At the same time, Russian companies like the MiG are reminding India that Russia has been a close friend for several decades now and that India can always count on Russia for technology transfer. Praising Russia, Mr Anthony said that Russia had been a "time-tested friend" and that "they (Russia) will always be careful in protecting Indian interests". He reiterated that India and Russia would engage in joint production of fifth generation fighter aircraft.