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ShareNEW DELHI: In a strategic shift that would have a huge impact on the future of the Indian military, the government is seriously considering the purchase of American fighters for the Indian Air Force, sources told DNA.
The caveat: US lawmakers must approve the Indo-US nuclear deal. The purchase of 126 Medium Range Multi-Role Combat aircraft, estimated to cost almost $6 billion (Rs27,000 crore) has been delayed so that it can be used as leverage with the Americans. The Request for Proposal for the contract is expected anytime.
Swedish Gripen fighters, Russia's upgraded MIG-29s , American F/A-18s and F-16s and French Rafale fighters are also contenders.
Sources told DNA that the Request for Proposal to be issued to global military aviation giants for the fighters has now been delayed till US legislative bodies complete the process for the Indo-US nuclear deal.
Commenting on the strategy, additional director of the Centre for Air Power Studies Air Vice Marshal (retd) Kapil Kak said "defence relations between India and US are a component of a larger strategic partnership. I have no opposition to the proposal and it is an interesting line of thought in a complex process."
If the government decides to use the fighter purchase as leverage, then New Delhi would opt for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, where the US administration would ensure India gets the fighters at the same rates as the US military.
