Compete with collaboration of US aircraft major Lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) planning to manufacture F-16 fighter aircrafts in India.
About Adani Group
Adani Group has interests mainly in energy, real estate, logistics, and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs)
So far has no experience in defense manufacturing.
About SAAB
SAAB is manufacturer of Gripen, a single-engine multi-role fighter aircraft with state-of-the-art technology, including advanced data links and sensors.
Modernizing Indian Air Force
IAF procuring more than 100 single engine fighter jets to replace old Russian Mig-21s and Mig-27s
Procurement to be under Strategic Partnership (SP) model of Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) with deal estimated to be over ₹ 60,000 crore.
First 18 aircraft will be bought ready to flyaway and rest will be manufactured in India by Indian private company with technology transfer from foreign manufacturer.
F-16 and Gripen meet IAF՚s requirement.
Need for New Aircrafts
IAF needs strength of 42 fighter squadrons to dominate and tackle two-front collusive threat simultaneously from China and Pakistan.
Currently, IAF has only 32 fighter squadrons with numbers expected to go down by 2021.