Indian Air Force plans to seek proposals from some of the world's top combat aircraft manufacturers for the purchase of 126 new jet fighters, according to Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi.
Tyagi said on Thursday that though it would take years for a final decision to be made, the government was likely to start soliciting formal proposals from suppliers before the end of the year.
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India was looking at American F-16s and F/A-18 Super Hornets, French Mirages, Swedish Gripens and Russian MiGs, he added.
The new fighters would help match India's military to the country's growing economic and political clout, the Air Force chief said, adding that the Air Force was also looking to purchase more helicopters and aerial refuelling aircraft.
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As part of the $1.1-billion deal singed with Israel, the Indian air force will get the first of three Phalcon airborne early warning systems by the end of 2007.
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