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What is MMRCA?
The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, also known as the MRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) competition, also known as the MRCA tender, was a competition to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IAF projected a requirement for about 126 aircraft in 2001, when the strength was at 39.5 squadrons (down from 45). There is an option for an additional 74 aircraft.
The Defence Ministry allocated Rs 55000 crore for the purchase of these aircraft, making it India's single largest defence deal. The MRCA tender was floated with the idea of filling the gap between its future Light Combat Aircraft and its in-service Sukhoi Su-30MKI air superiority fighter.
The contest featured six fighter aircraft: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon, Mikoyan MiG-35, and Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
On April 27, 2011, after an intensive and detailed technical evaluation by the IAF, it reduced the bidders to two fighters Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale. On January 31, 2012 it was announced that Dassault Rafale won the competition due to its lower life-cycle cost.
Contract negotiations are underway. The deal has been reported to cost $28-30 billion in 2014. On the joint press statement made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's with President François Hollande, during his visit of France, the PM said that India will purchase 36 Rafales, but the contract is yet to be finalized.
On April 13, 2015, the defence minister Manohar Parrikar made an announcement that the M-MRCA tender is "effectively dead". The programme was officially ended on August 6, 2015 when the request for proposals were withdrawn by India.
