IAF shortlists Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has made its choice clear on the medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal. Of the six contenders in the $10.6 billion MMRCA race, French fighter Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon, built by European consortium EADS Cassidian, Finmecanica and BAE Systems – have been shortlisted. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has asked the two European companies to extend validity of their commercial bids for the 126 jet fighter contract.

The IAF tested the six programmes — Eurofighter Typhoon; Dassault Rafale; Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper; Boeing F/A-18E/F; Saab Gripen and UAC’s MiG-35 on 643 parameters during the field evaluation tests and the European fighters met most of the parameters. The decision came only a day before the commercial bid of the six contenders was due to expire on April 28.

The down-selection of the European fighters has invited disparagement among critics who are of the view that it could be a political decision not to go for the US programmes.

Former Chiefs’ Reaction

Speaking on condition of anonymity a former Chief of the Air Staff said there could be reasons other than not meeting the technical standards, it could be a political decision as well. “I still consider the US made Boeing F/A-18 and Lockheed Martin F-16IN the best. And if I were asked to select between Eurofighter and Dassault Rafale, I would go for Rafale,” he said.

But former Air Chief Marshal (Retd) S. Krishnaswamy denied any political interference and said, “The IAF’s choice is based on technical evaluation. It is quite straightforward and there is nothing political about it. It is just a process; the other programmes (US and Russian) were falling short in the technical standards needed by the IAF. It is good that there is progress in the MMRCA competition. The commercial negotiations will start now.”

Former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal (Retd) F.H. Major was also of a similar view. “The IAF has diligently completed the evaluation and selection process keeping in the mind the capabilities required in the medium multi-role combat aircraft. Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale were found compliant with the IAF requirements. Many factors are taken into consideration during the technical evaluation and flying tests including life cycle maintenance, other facilities, etc. It was a pure selection process, political and commercial negotiations will start now,” he opined.