With Rafale deal stuck, Eurofighter looks to swoop in
13 March 2015 11:32 PM GMT
With the multi-billion dollar contract for Rafale jets caught in the doldrums, the UK on Thursday hoped there would be an opportunity for the Eurofighter aircraft to get back into the race with a “very competitive bid”.
However, the defence ministry here has made it clear that as per the Indian procurement rules, lateral entry is not allowed and the only way out if the negotiations with Rafale falls through is re-tendering. “We are aware that the process of dealing with Dassault (the French manufacturer of Rafale) has not gone completely smoothly and there may be an opportunity for Eurofighter at some stage,” British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond, who arrived in India on Wednesday on a two-day visit, told reporters at a press conference here. He said that if the opportunity does arise, Eurofighter has a “very competitive offer” to make.
However, the defence ministry here has made it clear that as per the Indian procurement rules, lateral entry is not allowed and the only way out if the negotiations with Rafale falls through is re-tendering. “We are aware that the process of dealing with Dassault (the French manufacturer of Rafale) has not gone completely smoothly and there may be an opportunity for Eurofighter at some stage,” British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond, who arrived in India on Wednesday on a two-day visit, told reporters at a press conference here. He said that if the opportunity does arise, Eurofighter has a “very competitive offer” to make.
Next Story
