Rafale deal is a very crucial deal in the defense arena as it will change the strength of the Air Force and will add more power to it. Moreover the constant efforts of the Indian government to bolster the declining aircraft counts can be maintained by this deal. The modernization of arms and weapons is in full swing, but still, acquiring seems to be an easy and fastest way to increase the performance. The deal can be a point somewhere in the SSB, so all SSB aspirants should know the basic of this deal.
Some Key Points of Rafale
- MMRCA – Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, made to perform wide range of operations like Arial reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes, air supremacy etc.
- Manufacturer – Dassault Aviation
- Israeli helmet mounted display, Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile and other missiles.
Reason behind Opting Rafale
India currently has heavy and light aircrafts and need to replace its old fleets, specifically Mig. India also had Tejas in their list of new entrants, but their induction will take more time and the need of replacement is urgent. Rafale also fulfills the need of medium aircraft with multi-role features. Another reason behind the deal was to overcome the need of 9 squadrons in the Indian Air Force. Currently India has 33 squadrons, but require 42 in order to fully deter foreign threats.
How the deal was initiated?
The initial idea of induction of multi-role aircraft started in 2001 and defense acquisition council opened bidding in 2007. After India released its plan to induct MMRCA to re-boost its Air Force, several aviation manufacturers came ahead. Initially the bids were made by Eurofighter Typhoon, SAAB Grippen, Lockheed Martin’s F-16, Boing’s F/A -18, Mig-35 of Russia and Rafael from France. After series of tests, Eurofighter and Rafael were shortlisted. Finally, Rafael was selected as it gave the lowest bid and it needs low maintenance. The deal of 126 Rafale was initiated.
What was the deal?
The actual deal worth about $10 billion for acquiring 126 Rafale aircrafts, out of which 18 will be taken in fly away condition and remaining will be manufactured in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited facilities under transfer of technology.
Reason behind the Delays in the Deal
There were two reasons behind the delay in the deal. 1st was that both the nations, India and France went through elections and the change of government when the deal was still pending and the second was a non-finalization of the cost of the aircraft, which led to the further extension of the deal. Further negotiations led to the adjustment of the deal and reduced the count of aircrafts from 126 to 36 in ready-made condition.
Current Status – On 23rd September, India signed Inter-Governmental Agreement with France to buy 36 Rafale jets for € 7.87 billion. The deal was signed by Manohar Parikar, Defence Minister and French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian in presence of the CEO of Dassault.
Conclusion – These jets are currently being used by France and Qatar and India was the first nation that stood ahead to buy these aircrafts. The procurement of this aircraft by India will further enhance the business status of the French company and subsequently will be beneficial for India in the field of defence strengthening. India is stepping forward to finalize and induct the aircrafts in order to stay ready and make Indian air force to perform more tasks using this aircraft.
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