US EditionIndia approves Rafale jet purchase in $40 billion defense package ahead of Macron visit
The Defence Acquisition Council approved Rs 3.6 lakh crore deals to expand air power and maritime surveillance with 114 Rafale jets and six P-8I aircraft, boosting local manufacturing.
- On Thursday, India's Defence Acquisition Council cleared a 3.6 trillion rupee defence package including 114 Rafale jets, ahead of Macron's visit.
- Amid rising coordination between China and Pakistan, the 'Make in India' push and reduced reliance on Russia have driven urgent Rafale procurement, as the IAF has only 29 squadrons versus 42.
- Plans call for a Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited final assembly line in Nagpur, with deliveries starting around 2030 and 18 Rafale aircraft acquired for immediate needs.
- If completed, the buys would raise India's Rafale total to about 176 aircraft, the Defence Ministry said the procurement will boost air-dominance and deterrence, and contracts with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and domestic firms including Tata and Mahindra will strengthen the supply chain and generate jobs.
- Under the MRFA programme, Indian Rafales will be upgraded to F4 with F5 provisions, with a proposed Nagpur final-assembly capacity of 24 aircraft per year and officials aiming for nearly 50% indigenous content initially and about 60% long-term.
107 Articles
107 Articles
It’s a Go: Ministry clears purchase of 114 Rafales, SCALP missiles & more
India's defence ministry has greenlit the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets, with most to be manufactured domestically. This significant acquisition, alongside other major defence deals totaling Rs 3.6 lakh crore, will bolster the Indian Air Force's capabilities. The approval also includes SCALP missiles and additional P8I maritime aircraft. These procurements aim to enhance India's defence readiness and strategic reach.
DECRYPTAGE - The Indian Ministry of Defence has approved the choice of Rafale to ensure the aerial superiority of its armies. Exclusive negotiations open for the signing of a contract in a few weeks.
The Indian Ministry of Defense approved on Thursday the purchase of a hundred new fighter aircraft. An excellent news for Dassault Aviation that produces the Rafale in Mérignac in Gironde. A contract also welcomed by Emmanuel Macron a few days from his visit to the country.
The Indian Ministry of Defence approved, on the other hand, the purchase of 100 French warplanes Rafale, a "very important Jalon" to a "historic" contract, welcomed by the French Presidency. The announcement comes a few days before the visit to...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
