Airbus A330 MRTT May Win USD 1.3 billion Indian Air Force Contract
rhsukarsa
April 1, 2009 -- Airbus is set to win contract to deliver six Airbus A-330 multi role tanker transports to the Indian Air Force in a deal worth estimated to be USD 1.3 billion.
Senior Defence Ministry officials confirmed that a 1-billion euro contract for six Airbus A-330 multi-role tanker-transports is close to being finalised. This despite the makers of the Russian IL-78 tanker, six of which the IAF has in service, offering a lower bid.
The Airbus A330 MRTT is being actively operated by up to five countries including Australia, United States and the United Kingdom.
The IAF chose Airbus for its larger fuel load and its dual transport capability. This decision has a bearing on the world's largest defence contract—the IAF's acquisition of 126 medium-range fighter aircraft worth over $10 billion where Russia's MiG-35 is a low-cost option. (India-Defence)
