IAF''s MRCA tender: As some seek extension, Lockheed Martin OK with March 2008 deadline
02 Nov 2007
New Delhi: US defence major, Lockheed Martin, has clarified that it would meet a March 2008 deadline set by India to bid for the world''s largest military aircraft deal, estimated to be worth at least $10 billion over its lifetime.
Lockheed is among six short listed candidates to sell 126 multi role fighter jets to the Indian Air Force.
''We have sought no extension and plan to meet the deadline,'' company vice president Orville Prins told reporters in New Delhi. His clarification came amid reports that three of the bidders had sought an extension to the March 3 deadline to submit proposals.
''(But) we are not seeking any changes or dilutions, but some clarifications to make our bid robust,'' Prins said.
The long awaited global tenders were finally floated in August this year to six contenders, which include US companies Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the F/A-18 Hornet and F-16 Eagle, the Russian MiG RAC for its re-designated MiG-35, Swedish firm Saab for its JAS-39 Gripen, the French firm Dassault Aviation for its Rafale and the European consortium Eurofighter for its Typhoon.
According to reports, US manufacturer Boeing and Russian MiG are among those who have asked for more time.
The
Indian Air Force chief has recently clarified that he is looking at the induction
of these aircraft into the force by 2012.
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