U.S. Ambassador Timothy Roemer has expressed disappointment over the rejection of Boeing’s F-18 and Lockheed-Martin’s F-16 fighters by India in the bid for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal. File photo
Posted on 04/28/2011 5:29:00 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
U.S. disappointed over IAF deal, but respects process
PTI
With its fighters losing out in the bid for India’s multi-billion dollar deal, the U.S. on Thursday said it was “deeply disappointed” over it but was “respectful” of the procurement process.
In a statement in New Delhi, Ambassador Timothy Roemer said he had been assured at the highest levels in the Indian government that the procurement process for the fighters “has been and will be transparent and fair”.
He said the U.S. looked forward to continuing to grow and develop defence partnership with India.
“The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi was informed yesterday that two aircraft offered by the U.S. Government through the Foreign Military Sales process were not selected for procurement by the Indian Ministry of Defence,” the statement said.
“We are reviewing the documents received from the Government of India and are respectful of the procurement process. We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news,” Mr. Roemer said.
He was commenting on the rejection of Boeing’s F-18 and Lockheed-Martin’s F-16 fighters by India in the bid for multi-billion dollar Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal in which Eurofighter and French plane Rafale have been short-listed.
Mr. Roemer said he was “extremely confident” that the Boeing F-18IN and Lockheed-Martin F-16IN would provide the Indian Air Force an “unbeatable platform with proven technologies at a competitive price.”
He said he had been personally assured at the highest levels of the Indian government that the “procurement process for this aircraft has been and will be transparent and fair.”
Remaining convinced that the U.S. offers its defence partners around the globe the world’s most advanced and reliable technology, the envoy said, “We look forward to continuing to grow and develop our defence partnership with India.”
U.S. Ambassador Timothy Roemer has expressed disappointment over the rejection of Boeing’s F-18 and Lockheed-Martin’s F-16 fighters by India in the bid for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft deal. File photo
Coincidence? Sure....
should’ve just sell to taiwan, they will buy for sure.
I don't think the Indian government will choose the Rafale simply because of their previous experience with maintenance costs of their Mirage fighters. But France is still very keen to get their first export customer, so if the price is right...
The F-16 was out from the start, simply because the PAF flies it. I know that you and I have had a back and forth over my reasoning in the past, but politics are politics. The Grippen had no chance, since it was the equal to the Tejas, not the "medium" aircraf that they were looking for.
With most of Europe reducing their Tranche 3 orders, India should get a very favorable price and technology transfer deal from Eurofighter.
Shortlisting the Super Hornet or any of the other three ‘disqualified’ contenders would essentially mean awarding the contract to them, since the Lowest Bidder rule would come into prominence as all were deemed to pass technical parameters. In addition to reports (authentic or not) that the Super Hornet was perceived as being underpowered and performing poorly in trials, it’s significantly lower price would have posed problems for the the Rafale and Typhoon. I say this as a variety of government bodies in India such as state auditor and the finance ministry have vetoed deals where the L1 bidder was bypassed.
About the F-16, while the PAF factor cannot be dismissed, do not forget that the original RFI in 2004 for this contract was sent to the F-16 and three other contenders; the Rafale and Typhoon did not get it. After the entry of the newer contenders, the Indian MOD could have well afforded to not send an RFP to Lockheed Martin for the PAF factor. And Lockheed Martin would not have worked hard on the F-16IN and associated modifications like the retractable refuelling probe if it knew it had no chance.
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