India-Australia Sign New Deal, Will Jointly Develop Lethal Aircraft Systems
India and Australia have taken a substantial step to uplift defence and security cooperation to new heights. At the Army-to-Army Staff Talks h
The Indian Air Force has submitted a proposal to the Defence Ministry to purchase 114 Rafale fighter jets. The proposal is at present under consideration within the Ministry. No decision has been made yet on whether to purchase the Rafale. Given the dwindling number of fighter jets in the Indian Air Force, the government is under pressure to reach a swift conclusion. In the meantime, a report recently emerged suggesting that China might delay delivering J-35 stealth fighter jets to Pakistan at India's request. The report specified that India had requested China not to transport the J-35 so soon.
France ready to manufacture Rafales in India!
A report in The Print states that French Ambassador Thierry Mathou has given positive signals regarding the production of Rafales in India. He stated that France has already signed two deals with India for fighter jets and is ready to sign a new one. He added that France understands the importance of India to achieve self-reliance in the defence sector. "When we compare our approach with other stakeholders in these areas, our industry is totally in the Make in India mood," he said, adding that discussions on the issue will take place soon. He added, "And I can tell you that we are very keen not only to sell Rafales, but also to manufacture Rafales in India."
Is it possible that India won't buy the Rafale?
Some defence experts, speaking to Navbharat Times, said that "rather than signing a $22-25 billion deal with France, it may be better to take a little risk and wait for the Tejas-2. Then, the AMCA program will also be available by 2035." Though, there are more than a few caveats. For instance, if the Tejas-2 is built by 2032, what will be its production speed? How will the Indian Air Force be ready for a two-front war with a limited number of advanced fighter jets? The Indian Air Force currently has approximately 29-30 squadrons, whereas the requirement is for 42 squadrons. Though, if India is truly focused on the indigenous Tejas, the country may block the Rafale deal. This is why questions are being raised: is this why France is reluctant to manufacture the Rafale in India?
Source: Navbharat Times
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