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Mr A.K. Antony, Union Defence Minister, said that everything pertaining to the MMRCA (Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft) deal will be done strictly by the book without bowing to global political pressure.
“There will be no favouritism. It will be a level-playing field for all countries,” he told reporters while addressing a press conference as part of the inauguration of Aero India 2011. India plans to buy over 126 fighter planes in a deal estimated at $12 billion and many foreign companies such as EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company), SAAB and others are eyeing these deals. Companies from various countries, such as the US, the UK, France, Italy, and others, are participating in the Aero Show 2011, hoping that they can attract India's attention and cause the country to buy their fighter jets.
However, Mr Anthony said that there would be no political interference with respect to any of these deals. Each deal will be started by a request for proposal, which will be followed by trials by technical people and the process will not be influenced by international politics.
He also said that India and Russia are working on fifth generation aircraft, which he said will be the best in the world.
Regarding self sufficiency and export of technology as opposed to importing high tech planes, Mr Anthony said that initially, the priority was the Armed Forces, followed by the para military. “If we have any surplus, we will export,” he said apropos of Tejas.
Talking about Aero India 2011, which is organised by the Ministry of Defence, he said that this year's version is the biggest ever show. Around 675 companies from over 45 countries are participating this year.
Responding to criticism about the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft), he said that it was meeting the expectations of the Indian Air Force. He said that it was a state-of-the-art product and that such as product is ever fully finished. He said that there was a need to develop indigenous technology in-house because no country would ever sell its A-grade technology.
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