Indian Defence Review

French aerospace major Dassault with its offer of the Rafale jet fighter has emerged as the most preferred bidder for India’s biggest military contract worth over $10 billion for 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA). Dassault was the lowest bidder, edging its main rival EADS competing for the contract with its Eurofighter Typhoon. Further negotiations on price will be held between Dassault and the government in the coming weeks. The announcement ends a five-year search by the Indian government to find a supplier for its next-generation fighters. On conclusion of contract, the selected vendor would be required to supply 18 of the 126 aircraft within 36 months from the manufacturer’s own facilities. Under Transfer of Technology agreements, the remaining aircraft will be manufactured in India in the factories of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.