Pictures: Eurofighter Typhoons arrive at Yelahanka for Aero India 2011

Two Eurofighter Typhoons of the Italian Air Force (tail numbers 4-5 and 36-23) arrived at the Air Force Station Yelahanka to participate in the 8th edition of the Aero India show.

On the ramp at Yelahanka next to the Sukhoi Su30MKI air superiority fighter

The Eurofighter is a strong contender for the $10+ billion tender for the Indian Air Force (IAF) Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA).

Rumours have it that the Eurofighter is the top or second place finalist, but that the price is the sticking factor. Apparently the Americans (Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-16IN Super Viper) are way down in the competition and are being placated with the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III order which is also of similar value.

The wildcard though, remains the Swedish Grippen. Its engines are the GE F414 which power the F/A-18’s and have also been selected for the Tejas Mk II. The Grippen’s look-down shoot down radar is also of US origin and there are serious concerns that the Americans may not give the needed permissions to fructify the sale of the Grippen to the IAF.

What are your thoughts ?

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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