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The United States, seeking to enter India's lucrative arms market, is dropping behind on a $6.5-billion Indian Air Force contract for acquiring 126 multi-role fighters.
The Times of India reported Oct. 6 that despite Indian concerns about a recent $5 billion sale by Washington of 36 F-16s to archrival Pakistan, the IAF remains confident of its deterrent ability.
Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal S. P. Tyagi told journalists Thursday, in the run-up to Air Force Day Oct. 8, “I want to assure you that IAF remains, as always, combat ready to meet any challenge to the nation. We already have a trans-oceanic capability that can protect and project Indian interests. Our vision is to acquire strategic reach.”
Regarding Pakistan's growing aerial capabilities Tyagi said, “But yes, it's a matter of concern … if the balance of power changes in the subcontinent, we have to take note of it. I am in constant dialogue with the government and it's alive and responsive to our needs.”
“Apart from the accelerated program for production of Sukhoi-30MKIs, we are looking at getting 20 new Jaguars and 20 Light Combat Aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. We also have several upgrade programs, ranging from MiG-27s and Jaguars to MiG-29s and Mirage-2000s. We will also get the Hawks (advanced British jet trainers) and the Phalcon AWACs (Israeli airborne warning and control aircraft) next year,” he said.
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