Indian Air force Makes waves with large jet fighter deal
Indian Government recently floated a request for purchase of 126 jet fighters, in what is stated to be its most ambitious bid to acquire the latest jets that can carry also nuclear bombs in a bid to neutralize its hostile neighbors. The war on terror has helped Pakistan to reduce its military’s dependence on its internal resources and aid from US is being freely applied to bolster its fighting abilities. It is remarkable that India is carrying modernization after much delay and in fact having no choice but to bolster its depleting jet fighters. The fighting squadrons have dwindled over the last decade from 39 to present 30.  Continual loss of Russian MIG fighters the mainstay of Indian Air Force has contributed to this plight. Incidentally Indian Air Force's sanctioned strength is 45. The addition will be timely.

Despite slow and steady progress in its talks with China, India has always been wary of latter’s intention. A successful augmenting of the jet fighters will enable India to stand up to most modern air force with a chance to counter attack when wronged.

Who are the players in this deal?

Russian collaboration in arm acquisition and defense production has been going on for a long time. Russia accounts for nearly all of India armament in most segments. Of late there have been problem in delivery and prices with Russians. One can notice lot of bitterness in the latest air craft carrier contract Russia. Over the long years Russia has helped India absorb jet fighter building technologies including the latest Sukhoi fighters Indian Air Force’s pride. India is set to add 150 Sukhoi 30 jet fighters in the ensuing years. Therefore, Tanks, joint development of Brahmos and up gradation & supply of spares to jet fighters besides the growth of air craft building in India are all due to Russian collaboration at various points of time.

France has been good and dependable supplier of jet fighters in the past with Jaguars still being regarded as nuclear capable jet fighter. French built Mirages have also been duty in the Indian Air Force. Currently 28 Jaguars are under production in India.

Eurofighter is another jet fighter that is in the race. However the transfer of technology and cost of jet fighter are likely to pose large impediment to the European jet fighters in their bid.

US have been successful in having earlier supplied C 130 transport planes. The RFP by India has notably demanded transfer of technologies and licensed manufacture of jet fighters. 'The RFP lays down that the first aircraft is supplied within 36 months of the contract being signed and the 18th within 48 months. The 19th aircraft, the first to be assembled in India, will come within 54 months The White House and Congress have signaled positively to the transfer of technology especially those involving radars etc. Probably, the early conclusion of nuclear deal with India has been weighing in the minds of White House not to let anything to spoil the deal.

This deal is worth more than USD 10.5 Billion. The growing Indo-US collaboration in Nuclear and other fields give this deal a heavy advantage to Boeing, Raytheon an even chance to supply 126 F 18 jet fighters to India increasing US participation in Indian Air Force bid to nullify the loss of fighter jets in the past decade.