 Press Trust of India have reported today Dassault Rafale won the bid to supply Indian Air Force 126 fighters in the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Competition.
Following the announcement of the final selection of the Rafale in the frame of the MMRCA program, Dassault Aviation stated "Dassault Aviation and its partners are honored and grateful to the Indian Government and the people of India to be given the opportunity to extend their long-lasting cooperation.
Dassault Aviation and its partners reiterate their commitment to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Air Force and underline their pride in contributing to India’s defence for over half a century"
According to the Request for Proposal (RFP), the contractor will have to supply 18 of the 126 aircraft to the IAF in 36 months from its manufacturing facilities and the remaining would be produced at HAL facilities in Bangalore.
Source: Press Trust of India and Dassault Aviation Background:
(compiled by arabaviation.com)
The Indian Air Force Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) Competition, also known as the MRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Defence Ministry has allocated INR82,000 crore (US$16.4 billion) for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal. The MRCA tender was floated with the idea of filling the gap between its future Light Combat Aircraft and its in-service Su-30MKIs air superiority fighter.
Procurement of the aircraft and equipment are to be carried out in accordance with the procedures laid out in the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP)-2011. The DPP provides for a comprehensive technical and field evaluation of equipment being procured to ensure conformity with the Service Qualitative Requirements (SQRs). The DPP also stipulates standard terms of contract to ensure product and maintenance support of the equipment being procured.
On 27 April 2011, the IAF shortlisted two of the six competing fighter jets — Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. Bids for the two remaining competitors were received in 2011.
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