Reports noted that Israel has shown keen interest in the up-gradation of IAF’s Mirage fighters and has offered a price which was 40 per cent less than that of France. An Israeli delegation led by Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, Israel’s defence services chief made presentations to Indian officials including Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik during a recent visit to India.

While an Israel Aerospace Industries-led upgrade could cost Rs. 96 crore per plane, an upgrade by France’s Dassault Aviation and Thales would cost Rs. 152 crore. France is expected to re-consider its offer on account of the stiff competition from Israel.1

• 1. Sujan Dutta, ‘Mirage math: Israel better than France’, The Telegraph, December 11, 2009.