Indian Ministry of Defence launch investigation of Su-30MKI contract

Published: 2/22/2000

A debate is beginning to emerge in India over the purchase of 40 Su-30MKIs by the Indian Air Force. Critics of the purchase are claiming that the purchase by the previous Indian government is expensive and unnecessary, given the regional threats to which India is exposed. The air force is concerned that the debate may lead to a cancellation of the $1.6 billion contract, or stop the manufacture of the plane in India. The Ministry of Defence, under George Fernandes, has ordered an enquiry into the contract. Senior officers, quoted in the Times of India, have stated that the aircraft represents excellent value for money for the IAF, compared with an equivalent western fighter and gives both multi-role flexibility and air dominance in the event of India being attacked. One officer quoted said that the controversy surrounding the Su-30s was the creation of western producers, angered by the closeness of India to Russia over arms supply issues and that the lack of technical understanding of individuals within the Ministry of Defence made them easy prey for claims of unsuitability. The Advanced Jet Trainer acquisition continues for the IAF, but it is reported that the two short listed aircraft are the Alpha Jet and the BAe Hawk. There is no mention of the MiG-AT, which was expected to be on the shortlist with the RD-1700 or, potentially, the Al-55

Article ID: 1464