Rejection of US jets ‘disappointing’, says envoy
April 28th, 2011 - 5:22 pm ICT by IANS
New Delhi, April 28 (IANS) US Ambassador Timothy Roemer Thursday described as “deeply disappointing” New Delhi’s decision to reject two American combat jets that were amongst the six in contention for an Indian order of 126 fighters.
Roemer said he had received the notification from the Indian government, and “we are respectful of the procurement process. We are, however, deeply disappointed by this news”.
Nevertheless, he said, the US looked forward to continuing to grow and develop defense partnership with India.
He said the US was convinced that it offered the world’s most advanced and reliable technology to everyone.
“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.”
It is now virtually an all-European battle for the combat jet order with the US and Russia almost out of the race after the defence ministry asked EADS and Dassault to extend the validity of their commercial bids for 126 fighter jets. The contract is valued at $10.4 billion.
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- F-16, F-18s unbeatable, no offer for F-35s to India: Pentagon - Feb 02, 2012
- US doubts over India's combat jet partner - Feb 18, 2011
- Price talks for 126 jets to begin this month: IAF chief - Mar 10, 2011
- Defence ministry panel to consider combat jet deal next month - Sep 22, 2011
- German chancellor pitches for Eurofighter Typhoon - May 31, 2011
- US, Indian defence militaries getting closer: Roemer - Apr 29, 2011
- Envoy pitches for US planes in $10.4-bn deal - Mar 09, 2011
- All vendors given reasons for combat jet short-listing: IAF chief - May 02, 2011
- Unsuccessful firms keep options open on India's combat jets order - Apr 28, 2011
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Tags: ambassador, boeing, combat jet, combat jets, contention, dassault, defence ministry, eads, fighter jets, indian air force, indian government, lockheed martin, New Delhi, partnership, procurement, proven technologies, rejection, reliable technology, timothy roemer, validity