Out of fighter deal, US ‘disappointed’

New Delhi: A day after both its firms competing for the $10-billion medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) were rejected, the US on Thursday said it was “deeply disappointed” by the development and was currently reviewing the documentation India has provided to justify its decision.
Reacting to the developments, US Ambassador Timothy Roemer, in a statement, said: “We are reviewing the documents received from the Government of India and are respectful of the procurement process. We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news. We look forward to continuing to grow and develop our defense partnership with India and remain convinced that the US offers our defence partners around the globe the most advanced and reliable technology.”
The statement added: “I have been personally assured at the highest levels of the Indian government that the procurement process for this aircraft has been and will be transparent and fair. I am extremely confident that the Boeing F/A 18IN and Lockheed-Martin F-16IN would provide the Indian Air Force an unbeatable platform with proven technologies at a competitive price.”
Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry said they have asked the shortlisted European Eurofighter and French Dassault Rafale to extend the validity of their commercial bids till December 31.
29/04/11 Indian Express

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Categories: Foreign Apr 2011