Trial report awaits nod, 6 aircraft firms in fray
The final selection of the vendor for acquisition of the Rs 42,000 crore 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) could be made on factors such as cost and political considerations in the national interest after examining the technical evaluation of the aircraft, top defence sources have indicated, even as the Indian Air Force (IAF) has submitted the flight trial report to the ministry of defence (MoD).
Defence sources said no rankings of aircraft had been made in the report which had only indicated compliance or non-compliance of the six competing aircraft on 643 “test points” or parameters. Defence sources said the MoD is yet to “approve” the IAF’s flight trial report. The government could also consider a follow-up order of more MMRCA beyond the 126 aircraft once the vendor is selected.
As per norms, the IAF’s flight trial report will be scrutinised by the MoD to evaluate the performance of the six aircraft in the fray. Finally, the commercial bids will be opened. The lowest bidder among vendors —— whose aircraft have passed the technical evaluation test ——- will be selected. However, the final decision is expected to be taken by the high-level Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Sources said political considerations made in the national interest by the government could play a role.
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