New Delhi: Contrary to expectations of an early push towards finalising the contract for the 126 Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) for the Indian Air Force, the deal will not be signed before the current financial year comes to an end in March this year.
The IAF is keen that the negotiations are concluded and the way is paved to finalise the multi-billion dollar deal with the French manufacturer Dasault Aviation for its Rafale ominrole fighter plane.
Sources in the Ministry of Defence told The Tribune that there was no possibility that the contract can be signed in the current financial year. While the negotiations started after Dassault was declared the lowest bidder in January 2012, indications are that the discussions between the Contract Negotiation Committee and the French company is far from over.
Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer Charles Edelstenne, scheduled to demit office next week, told a French Parliamentary panel last month that while there was “relative optimism” over the progress of talks. He acknowledged the negotiations were tough.
05/01/13 KV Prasad/The Tribune
