Tag: MMRCA

MoD meet on Rafale rubbished

“Antony has categorically said no movement on defense contracts will take place until the formation of the new government and the presence of a new defense minister,” a source told StratPost. He also denied such a meeting took place. The Statesman has however, reported otherwise.

Dassault responds to Rafale rejection

A source at Dassault told StratPost, “Other bidders might say on paper that they meet the requirements of the RfP. But if the others bidders say they meet the RfP requirements they are lying.” Dassault has warned the claims made by bidders for the MMRCA may be exagerrated and may end up scuttling the process.

Rafale ejection from MMRCA race confirmed

Sources in the Indian Ministry of Defense told StratPost the aircraft was out of the running for failure to meet the General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR) during the technical evaluation. Read the whole story behind the reasons for the disqualification of Dassault’s aircraft.

Russian MiG-29s grounding leaves India concerned

Both, the IAF as well as the Indian Navy, are concerned that the withdrawal from service of 90 Russian Air Force MiG-29s for repairs may lead to delays in delivery as well as quality issues in the upgrading and production of new aircraft for the two forces.

Graft alleged in South African Gripen deal

The fighter aircraft company has been accused of corruption in pushing forward sales to South Africa with Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu coming out strongly against the South African arms contract, which also raises common allegations against South African president-in-waiting Jacob Zuma. Other deals with Hungary and the Czech Republic have also been under the scanner for alleged kickbacks being paid for the proposed purchase of the Gripen fighter.

Squeaky-clean Antony disappoints MMRCA contenders

The Defense Minister AK Antony disappointed the contenders for the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft contract during Aero India 2009, by declining to fly in any of the planes brought by four of the contenders. The representatives of the companies had hoped to have an interaction with the minister and try and get some hint as to where things where headed with the tender.

Lockheed Martin in F-16 hard-sell

The fighter is in the running for the 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft tender floated by the Indian government along with five other contenders. John Giese of Lockheed Martin says, “By offering the Super Viper to the IAF we’re offering exactly what they asked for in the tender. The IN is designed to meet IAF specifications.”

Tail break in flight grounds Russian MiG-29s

A Russian business daily reported last week the grounding of the Russian Air Force’s MiG-29 fleet, when recently, a tail broke away during a training exercise. The Vice President of Russian Aircraft Corporation (RAC) confirmed on Wednesday, the grounding of the aircraft, saying an inquiry was underway.

Gripen’s case to be the MMRCA

Gripen’s Eddy de la Motte points out the unique defensive and offensive capabilities of the fighter plane in being able to land on public roads, be serviced and take off again to continue operations, while explaining why he thinks the Gripen is the best aircraft for India’s anticipated 126 MMRCA purchase.

From the Mig 21 to the Gripen

StratPost spoke exclusively to a man who has extensively flown the mainstay of the Indian Air Force (IAF), the Mig 21, as well as Saab’s Gripen fighter, one of the contenders for the MMRCA deal. Colonel Petr Mikulenka of the Czech Air Force, spoke to StratPost about his experiences with both aircraft.

Blog: Vendors employing Direct Sales Agents for MMRCA deal?

The USD 12 billion order is so important for arms vendors that at a recent defense seminar in New Delhi, one of the speakers, a representative of a foreign air force was told, first politely, and then rather sharply, to wrap up his speech because it seemed to be more of a sales-pitch for one of the aircraft in contention for the MMRCA deal, than an academic talk on his experiences with aircraft from different generations.