F-16 on IAF radar for fighter jet purchases

F-16 on IAF radar for fighter jet purchases

Indo-Asian News Service

Bangalore, February 7, 2005|18:51 IST

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively considering the US F-16 multi-role combat aircraft for purchase as it acquires 125 fighter jets within the next four to five years.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal SP Tyagi told reporters in Bangalore on Monday that a Request for Information (RFI) had been sent to four global firms - Lockheed Martin (F-16), MiG RAC of Russia (MiG 29 M2), Dassault Aviation of France (Mirage 2000-5) and Gripen of Sweden.

"F-16 is one of the aircraft we are looking at along with three other aircraft of similar capabilities. We are not only considering their multi-role combat capabilities, but also air superiority," Tyagi said on the sidelines of an international aerospace seminar being held as part of the Aero India event.

After studying the RFIs, the IAF will seek the request for proposals (RFPs) from all the four firms.

Once the RFPs are received, they will be technically evaluated for short-listing, followed by commercial negotiations.