India is likely to get first squadron of France’s Rafale jet fighters in 2016 if the deal is signed this year. The country also plans to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircrafts.
New Delhi, Feb 8/Nationalturk – In order to boost its air power and thwart its rivals Pakistan and China, India is likely to get first squadron of France’s Rafale jet fighters in 2016. The country also plans to buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircrafts
“Indian Air Force will buy 126 medium multi-role combat aircrafts. This will be the top priority in 2013-14 fiscal,” Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshall N A K Browne told reporters in Indian city of Bangalore.
He said Indian Air Force would process fresh order for six C-130J medium lift planes. “These would be in addition to the six C-130Js that are based in Hindon air base near Delhi”.
He said Indian Air Force will conclude a deal for purchase of 22 attack helicopters with US company Boeing. “Besides, we would also be signing a contract for 15 heavy lift helicopters, apart from six Airbus-330 mid-air refuellers,” he said.
Referring to Rafale Jet fighters, Browne said the cost negotiations with French Dassault Aviation company were progressing in the right direction and IAF expected the deal to be signed by the middle of 2013.
France’s president to take Rafale fighters negotiation during India visit
The French fighter jet was shortlisted for exclusive negotiations over a year ago by India after a hotly contested bidding war with rival manufacturers. “However, the company is yet to finalise the $10.4 bn deal for supply of 126 jet fighters. Dassault Aviation hopes to conclude its $12-billion deal to sell Rafale jets to India this year with negotiations set to be taken up by French President Francois Hollande during his visit to India next week,” sources said.
They said Hollande’s visit to India is likely to take place February 14-15. It will be his first trip to India after being elected at France’s president in May 2012.
India’s Air Force expects to take delivery of the first squadron of the jet fighters within three years after signing of the deal. “If the contract is signed this year, the first squadron of Rafale fighters will arrive in India by 2016,” IAF chief said.
As per the proposed Rafale deal, the first 18 aircraft are to be made in France with the remainder to be produced under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the state-run Indian aerospace company.
According to experts, the purchase of Rafale fighter jets would strengthen India’s efforts to upgrade and modernize its air power to thwart its nuclear armed rivals Pakistan and China’s growing power.
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Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk India News
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India should purchase more mig 29 vlk, sukhoi 35 and pak fa t50 for marge upon china and paskistan .and develop tejas for combat capability immidiately.and fulfill its demand of attack helicopter with kamov k52 alligator
I must say that India should consider some other Path and acquire either Eurofighter typhoone or Su35 Because if the deal stuck another 4 to 5 month there is no meaning for acquire the 4th Generation fighter jet when China And Pakistan on Full throttle to acquire the 5th Generation fighter jet Thank’s