Tender deadline for fighters extended

The government on Wednesday extended by eight weeks the deadline for opening bids for the multibillion-dollar tender for purchasing 126 fighter aircraft.

No reason was given for the decision, though the Indian Air Force is facing a serious depletion of its force levels. The selection process for the deal is largely in the hands of the civilian bureaucracy.

The original deadline was March 3. Some sources suggested that it was extended at the urging of some of the competitors.

Under the contract, estimated at Rs. 42,000 crore, India would buy 18 fighters in a readymade condition and assemble the remaining 108 domestically.

In contention

Six companies — Lockheed Martin and Boeing (both from the U.S.), Gripen from Sweden, Rafale from Dassault, Eurofighter of the EADS and Russian MiG MAPO — are in contention.

News Source : Samachar