Rafale Beats Eurofighter In Indian MMRCA Contest

French combat plane manufacturer Dassault's Rafale fighter has won the Indian MMRCA competiton beating the European consortum's Eurofighter aircraft in a contest that went on for four years. Rafale executives were called by Indian MOD officials this morning and informed that their aircraft has been finally selected. The Dassualt team has been issued a letter confirming the Indian MOD's choice, sources told Defenseworld.net. Separately, Eurofighter executives were called in and informed of their elimination from the contest this afternoon,sources close to Eurofighter informed Defenseworld.net. The final choice was made on price, sources said adding that the French aircraft's total cost worked to about 20% cheaper than that of the Eurofighter. The India win means sweet success for Dassault which has been struggling in the international marketplace for decades now to find an international buyer for its Rafale multi role fighter. The final price is estimated to US$12 billion for 126 fighters. Some 24 fighters are expected to be sent to Indian in a fly-away condition while the rest are to be licence-manufactured in India.