“Price negotiations for the MMRCA begin in a week or two. I am hopeful of a decision by September this year, unless dissatisfied vendors put a spoke in the wheel (sic),” said Indian Air Force chief PV Naik today at Aero India 2011. The chief pointed out that all hurdles pertaining to offsets had been sorted out, and that if price negotiations began on schedule in the next two weeks, he was hopeful of a final contract decision by September. “But you know how it is,” the chief said, “Others may try to put a spoke in the wheel. And if that happens, everything takes its own course.”
In other developments, the IAF chief announced that the IAF Mirage-2000 upgrade contract would be signed before the end of March this year. “The draft report is with the MoD, it will be concluded this financial year,” said the IAF Deputy Chief. Air Chief Naik commented, “It was a very difficult negotiation, but results will now come very fast.”
The IAF chief announced that his service would shortly order 50 more Mi-17-V5 helicopters from Russia as a follow on to the 80 contracted in 2008 and which begin delivery in March.
Photo Courtesy The Hindu
This chief looks like Israeli Air chief and not Indian chief. the "glow" is missing.
Wow . He does shoot straight . Vendors WILL play spoil sport – sort of Sharhruk Khan in Darr – Kiran tu meri nahin or kisi aur ki bhi nahin ! :))
Happy about IAF chief , but govt trying to extend it like bubblegum , each and every tender they planned to avoid in this way only , i really wonder does they really aware the position in two borders . each months our IAF is loosing mig 21 jets by accidents . which is blocking these orders to govt – laziness.
I think our bloody government & other leaders will take 27yr(Just like TEJAS) to announce MMRCA winner.
I am not sure about my life… but I am sure one day my son will hear about the winner.
Regards,
SK