Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has issued an official clarification regarding media reports claiming that the Defence Council has cleared the procurement of 114 Rafale fighter jets, with a significant portion to be manufactured in India through a collaboration between HAL and Dassault Aviation.
According to the circulating reports, around 20 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft would be acquired in fly-away condition and inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet by 2030. The remaining aircraft were reportedly expected to be produced in India under a joint manufacturing arrangement between Dassault Aviation and HAL.
HAL’s official statement
Responding to the reports, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited clarified that it has not received any official communication from the Ministry of Defence or Dassault Aviation regarding the proposed procurement or any manufacturing collaboration related to 114 Rafale fighter jets.
The company stated that, as of now, there is no formal intimation confirming its participation in such a programme.