The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is perhaps the most impressive jet thundering over Bangalore skies at the AeroIndia 2007. Boeing is pitching this superb fighter for the IAF’s 126 MRCA order. But amid the intensifying dogfight between the world’s six fighter jet majors to grab the IAF order, there’s now a surprise twist. The USAF wants IAF to buy F-16 jets, not the Super Hornets.
The Russians are pitching the MiG-35 into the 126-fighter competition. Their understanding is that technically, all competing fighters are more or less the same. It would be the political and economic package that would determine the winner. S. Raghotham spoke to Viktor Komardin, Deputy Director General, Rosoboronexport State Corporation, at Aero India 2007
Fighter aircraft makers in the US, Europe and Russia are competing to win what will be the biggest foreign order in the world – the Indian Air Force wants 126 fighters. Gripen is in India to win the order for its JAS-39 fighters. Srinivasa Raghotham and Nirad Mudur asked Gripen’s India director, Scotsman Tony Ogilvy why the IAF should buy this relatively new aircraft.
