The bilateral relations between India and the United States is expected to go high after the signing approval of the 123 agreement. The diplomats have given the green signal and the Nuclear deal is waiting for the approval from the political leadership from both countries to be finally sealed.

Now, after the 123 agreement another deal is in queue that is related to 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) deal. Would the American fighters require thrust to grab the IAF project to acquire 126 MRCAs?

The US is prepared for sagging the temptation of spin-offs from its futuristic fifth-generation fighter (G-5) programs when the F-16 ‘Falcons’ or F/A-18 ‘Super Hornets’ would be able to grab India’s $10.4 billion project for 126 MRCA worth of Rs 42,000 crore.

According to the report, the F-16 manufacturer Lockheed Martin has already showed the technical presentation to Indian Air Force. He expressed his hopes that the G-5 fighter may fulfill India’s need of the fighter jets.

At present, India is in need to have a G-5 fighter, with a deadly mix of stealth, beyond-visual range combat capabilities. The jet fighter reduced radar-tracking signature and included the super-maneuverability and supersonic cruising ability.

The report says that IAF’s MRCA project will involves fourth-generation fighters in its armory. The other contenders to grab the project are the Russian MiG-35, Swedish JAS-39 Gripen, French Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and the American F/A-18 ‘Super Hornet’ and F-16 ‘Falcon’.

According to a top IAF official, the US is way behind Russia even though its program is more advanced in nature. Every contenders want to give a presentations to IAF now. The negotiations with Russia to join its G-5 fighter program have come in an advanced stage.

In 2005, the US had promised offshoot from its G-5 projects like F-35 and the newly operational F/A-22 ‘Raptor’ because India’s MRCA project would involve technology transfer and licenced production in the country. Now, India has finalised the Request For Proposal (RFP) for the MRCA contract and the F-35 presentation has given to IAF.

On the other hand, Defence minister A K Antony has said that the selection of the deal would be based strictly on merit. He outlined three guiding principles for the MRCA contract.

# IAF’s operational requirements should be fully met by the contenders.

# The selection process will be competitive, fair and transparent to ensure best value for money.

# Indian defence industries should get an opportunity to grow to global scales due to the large project.

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