India Confirms Order of 36 French Rafale Fighters

The Times of India recently released an article showing that the Indian Air Force’s order of the 36 Rafale fighter jets has been completed with the French government. This deal was closed during New Year’s eve 2015. Dassault, the French aircraft builder and integrator, will supply all the Rafale aircrafts in a flyaway condition.

The transaction has a similar caliber as the Mirage 2000 aircraft signed in 1985. During this time, almost 60 of the Mirage 2000 were delivered. The basic agreement outlined that 49 was to be delivered however an additional 10 more was acquired during a later time.

The Indian Airforce had also closed a deal for the Russia Kamov 226T helicopters on Christmas Eve when The Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Russian Government. This would be considered the 2nd deal that the Indian Airforce has closed within a month’s timespan. The Rafale aircraft is a twin-engine multirole fighter jet that is nuclear capable and can be used in air to air as well as ground to ground attacks due to its onboard system, Electronic Warfare. Electronic Warfare can also perform radar jamming, aerial reconnaissance, air supremacy, air interdiction (or deep air support), and in-depth strike tactics.

The 36 Rafale equates to roughly over $100 million-plus per aircraft. This deal was done in a government to government deal during Modi’s visit to Paris in April 2015. The deal entails that the delivery of the aircrafts will begin within three years of the signed agreement. There has been word from French industry sources that Dassault may possibly expedite the delivery process even faster if the Indian Air Force requests for it. Dassault has sold the Rafale to Egypt and Qatar in the last year with UAE seriously considering to purchase as well.

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