India-France Talks on 114 Rafale Deal: 80% Jets to Be Manufactured Locally
The proposed purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force is underway, with approximately 80% of these aircraft manufactured in India. This deal will involve the transfer of manufacturing facilities from France to India, and a maintenance facility will also be established here. The Indian side is in discussions with French officials on increasing local production and cost. The Rafale's 90% serviceability makes it ideal for the IAF, which is facing a shortage of fighter squadrons.
In the proposed deal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force, approximately 80% of the fighter jets will be manufactured in India. Certain production units are being shifted from France to India in this project.
Reports say that the Indian delegation is in talks with the French authorities to enhance local production and has plans to open a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in India to make maximum use of the aircraft. As per sources, the cost of the project will be further negotiated.
The price quoted by the French government considers the inflation factor, which stands at about 4% per annum. Also, since many of the components of the Rafale have been made in India, it is likely that the French company Dassault Aviation would use an Indian company for its export sales and would use the Indian facilities as an MRO facility for the Rafale and other Dassault aircraft being used by the nations of this region.
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Want to get your story featured as above? click here!
Sources stated that under current circumstances, the Rafale has been found to be most suitable to meet the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft requirements, as its serviceability is approximately 90 percent, which is much higher than any other aircraft in the world, including the American F-35.
It is worth noting that the Indian Air Force has been pursuing the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets for a long time, having been selected in a multi-vendor tender. The Indian Air Force is grappling with a dwindling number of fighter aircraft squadrons, and the indigenous project is being delayed due to engine-related issues and difficulties integrating foreign-made components into the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A aircraft.
India already faces challenges on two active fronts: Pakistan and China. Bangladesh is also increasingly becoming a security challenge. Amidst this situation, the Indian Air Force's fighter aircraft squadron requirements are far exceeding the long-approved 42 squadrons.
