NEW DELHI, Aug 28: India on Tuesday floated its biggest ever global defence tender for purchase of 126 multi-role combat aircraft, in a deal which would run up to a staggering Rs42,000 crores, approximately $10 billion.

The United States has been one of the leading hopefuls for the lucrative deal, but the Indian government moved quickly on Tuesday to quash rumours that a controversial nuclear deal with Washington was tied to the warplanes purchase by Delhi.

An official announcement in Delhi said the request for proposals (RFP) for the fighters had been issued to six main bidders, ending eight years of suspense over the acquisition.

The strength of IAF fighters during this year had plunged to an all time low of 32 squadrons (576 aircraft) under the proposal, 18 fighters would be bought off the shelf and remaining 108 manufactured under technology transfer in India.

The RFP also stipulates an option of India purchasing another 64 fighters under the same terms and conditions.