02 March 2004	Tuesday	10 Muharram 1425

NEW DELHI, March 1: Indian Air Force is negotiating with French, Russian and US bidders for the purchase of 125 frontline multi-role fighters to partially replace its fleet of about 300 MiG-21 aircraft.

Major French aircraft manufacturer Dassault is currently the frontrunner with its offer of upgraded Mirage 2000-5 aircraft, while Lockheed-Martin is offering technology transfer of its F-16 Fighting Falcon.

Two major Russian fighter companies Mikoyan-Gureyvich, makers of the MiG fighters, and Robensoexport, makers of Sukhoi aircraft, were reported to have formed a consortium to jointly bid for the Indian contract, officials at India Defence Ministry were quoted as saying here.

The IAF had projected an immediate need for some 125 new fighter planes, with the selection expected to be completed in a few months, officials said.-APP