Rafale will breathe new life into IAF’s ageing fleet
13 April 2015 4:19 AM IST
The deal struck with France will bring some relief to the Indian Air Force into which they will be inducted within two years, Parrikar said. He further hailed the deal to buy Rafale jets from France as a “great decision taken on the terms and conditions that are better”.
“Indian Air Force will get minimum oxygen (relief) it required with this deal...In fact we have not purchased any major new generation aircraft in (last) 17 years.” “Procuring 36 planes for two squadrons is an extremely positive decision which was needed,” Parrikar told a news agency here.
Modi had on Friday said in Paris that India will buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition from France at the earliest by “keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in India.”
“The RFP (Request for Proposal) procedure for procuring these aircraft had been dragging on for several years. This was started in 2000 and still it was not getting completed because of a lot of confusion so I am very happy that the PM has taken the initiative,” Parrikar said. He said the fighter jets will be inducted into IAF within a span of two years, adding the ice has been finally broken over the deal.
Parrikar did not give any reasons why it will take up to a maximum of two years for inducting these much-needed fighters into IAF. Experts feel that time may be needed for further price negotiations and refitting the aircraft in tune with Indian requirements. While the government-to-government negotiations may have ended, the forces may have to fine-tune the deal with the manufacturers Dassault.
Parrikar said after the initial purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft, the country will have more such planes under “Make in India initiative or Rafale kind of mechanism.” The minister said Rafale is the fourth generation aircraft which will add up to the old generation fighter planes like MiG21, MiG27 and Su30 which are currently with India.
Meanwhile, Airbus Industries has assured Modi that its Indian outsourcing will increase from $400 million to $2 billion over the next five years as part of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: “500% increase in 5 years. @Airbus to PMA @narendramodi: Indian outsourcing to increase from $400 mil to $2 billion.”
“Make in India gains further momentum. $2 billion cumulative outsourcing planned by @Airbus from India by 2020,” he posted. Airbus’ commitment was conveyed to Modi during his tour of the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, in southern France, where he flew down from Paris.
“Indian Air Force will get minimum oxygen (relief) it required with this deal...In fact we have not purchased any major new generation aircraft in (last) 17 years.” “Procuring 36 planes for two squadrons is an extremely positive decision which was needed,” Parrikar told a news agency here.
Modi had on Friday said in Paris that India will buy 36 Rafale fighter jets in flyaway condition from France at the earliest by “keeping in view the critical operational necessity of fighter aircraft in India.”
“The RFP (Request for Proposal) procedure for procuring these aircraft had been dragging on for several years. This was started in 2000 and still it was not getting completed because of a lot of confusion so I am very happy that the PM has taken the initiative,” Parrikar said. He said the fighter jets will be inducted into IAF within a span of two years, adding the ice has been finally broken over the deal.
Parrikar did not give any reasons why it will take up to a maximum of two years for inducting these much-needed fighters into IAF. Experts feel that time may be needed for further price negotiations and refitting the aircraft in tune with Indian requirements. While the government-to-government negotiations may have ended, the forces may have to fine-tune the deal with the manufacturers Dassault.
Parrikar said after the initial purchase of 36 Rafale aircraft, the country will have more such planes under “Make in India initiative or Rafale kind of mechanism.” The minister said Rafale is the fourth generation aircraft which will add up to the old generation fighter planes like MiG21, MiG27 and Su30 which are currently with India.
Meanwhile, Airbus Industries has assured Modi that its Indian outsourcing will increase from $400 million to $2 billion over the next five years as part of the Indian government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. External affairs ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin tweeted: “500% increase in 5 years. @Airbus to PMA @narendramodi: Indian outsourcing to increase from $400 mil to $2 billion.”
“Make in India gains further momentum. $2 billion cumulative outsourcing planned by @Airbus from India by 2020,” he posted. Airbus’ commitment was conveyed to Modi during his tour of the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, in southern France, where he flew down from Paris.
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