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February 10, 2011

Eurofighter Offers Full ToT for MMRCA; U.K. Rejects Eurofighter Naval in Favor of F-35 JSF

(IndiaDefense) : Here at Aero India 2011, Eurofighter has showcased a new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon and has offered it to the Indian Navy. The Eurofighter has also been pitching hard for the Indian Air Force Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition and roped in the Defence Minister of United Kingdom Dr. Liam Fox to strongly push the deal.

In a press briefing at the Aero India media center, he spoke highly of the Eurofighter's bid for M-MRCA competition and termed the offering as the best bet on the table. Answering a question of the high price of the Erofighter Typhoon's compared to its competitors, the Minister acknowledged the high initial price but made an argument for lower life-cycle cost as the fighter jet serves fr the decades in the Indian Air Force.

On being asked about the new naval variant of the Eurofighter Typhoon as a potential naval fighter for the Royal Navy, the Minister emphatically rejected the notion and reaffirmed his commitment to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter programme as a naval fighter for U.K.

A specific question on U.K.'s commitment of transfer of technology (ToT) and the commitment of the other Eurofighter nations (Spain, Germany and Italy) commitment to the same was handled by the Minister. He said all Eurofighter countries are in alignment with India on the issue of transfer of technology.

The Minister acknowledged defence spending cuts being made in the United Kingdom but strongly iterated that the United Kingdom would continue to remain a strong player in strategic affairs. A potential partnership between India and the United Kingdom for BAE Systems Type 26 frigates was talked about as a possibility going forward.

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