Article Posted on : - Jan 31, 2010

Raytheon T-6A Texan II (trainer aircraft). A file photo

BANGALORE (BNS): Indian Defence Ministry has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to many International aircraft manufacturers to obtain 75 basic trainers for the Indian Air Force (IAF), a media report said.

According to the The Hindu, manufacturers including such global names as (Tucano), Pilatus (PC-7 or PC-/9), Raytheon (T-6 Texan), Finmeccanica (M-311), Grob Aircraft Company (G-120TP), EADS PZL (PZL-130-TC-11 Orik) and Korea Aerospace Industries (KT-1) are required to submit their proposals by March 17.

Officials in the Ministry told the Daily that a pre-bidders conference would be held on February 2 during which clarifications if any would be entertained. The IAF would technically evaluate the aircraft once the proposals were received.

The first batch of 12 aircrafts have to be delivered within 24 months of the contract as per the RFP rules, remaining set of the aircrafts will come in batches, the report said.

The 75 aircraft are part of the government�s go-ahead to the IAF for the acquisition of 181 basic trainers, it said.