Rafale | Business Upturn

India to purchase 26 Rafale and 3 Scorpene submarines from France

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 12:09:24 +0000

New Delhi, July 13 : The Defence Ministry on Thursday approved the proposal for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft and three additional Scorpene submarines from France.

The project was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to France today (July13).

The Defence Ministry in a statement said it will boost Indian Navy’s operational capabilities.

“The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)” said the Ministry in a Statement.

India has already procured 36 Rafale jets from France for the Indian Air Force.

The DAC’s approval to the projects came around a week after they were cleared by the Defence Procurement Board (DPB).

Over the price and other terms of purchase, the Ministry said, “They will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries”.

“Further, integration of Indian designed equipment and establishment of Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations” it said.

The three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category, will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

The Ministry said it will also help the MDL in further enhancing its capability and expertise in submarine construction.

“The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector”, the statement said.

In addition, the DAC approved the proposal to lay down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases.

“It will help in achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in critical manufacturing technologies and life-cycle sustenance of defence platforms/equipment through indigenous manufacturing” the Defence Ministry said.

Renault Unveils the Rafale: A stylish coupe-SUV inspired by french aviation

Aditya Bhagchandani — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 12:04:43 +0000

Renault, the renowned French automaker, has recently introduced its latest coupe-SUV model, named the Rafale. The name Rafale, derived from the French word for a sudden gust of wind, pays homage to a legendary aircraft from 1934. Positioned as the brand’s flagship SUV in the D-SUV segment, the Rafale targets international markets with its impressive dimensions. It measures 4,710mm in length, 1,860mm in width, and 1,610mm in height, offering a spacious and commanding presence on the road. Notably, it shares a generous 2,740mm wheelbase with the Renault Espace MPV, providing ample legroom and comfort for passengers.

Underpinned by Renault’s CMF-CD platform, the Rafale inherits its foundations from the Espace and the Austral models. However, it showcases a fresh design language, overseen by Gilles Vidal, Renault’s Design Director. The 2024 Rafale presents a striking appearance with a sculpted front bumper, Peugeot-inspired LED headlights, and distinctive arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights. At the front, the radiator sits below the sleek nose, boasting an aerodynamically enhanced design reminiscent of Renault’s iconic diamond emblem. The rear of the SUV features Y-shaped taillights, an integrated spoiler on the tailgate, and a sleek rear bumper. Rolling on 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in robust 245mm tires, the Rafale exudes a sporty and dynamic stance. Furthermore, the rear windscreen is inclined at a 17-degree angle, enhancing the vehicle’s aerodynamic efficiency.

In terms of color choices, the Rafale offers a range of options to suit diverse preferences. The model introduces new Satin Pearl White and Alpine Blue shades, alongside the classic Flame Red, Diamond Black, and gloss Ceramic Grey colors. These color options add to the SUV’s allure, accentuating its sleek and sophisticated design.

Renault’s Rafale is a testament to the brand’s commitment to delivering stylish and performance-oriented vehicles. Drawing inspiration from the world of aviation and incorporating Renault’s design expertise, this coupe-SUV offers a unique blend of elegance and functionality. As Renault expands its global presence, the Rafale is poised to capture the attention of discerning customers who seek a distinctive and versatile driving experience.

Exercise Orion 23: 4 IAF Rafales departed for Mont-de-Marsan Airbase

Sakshi Vats — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 12:17:05 +0000

For the first time, the most modern Rafale multi-role combat aircraft in the Indian Air Force, the Rafale, will take part in an overseas exercise in France alongside air forces from many countries, including those from NATO.

According to the Indian Defense Ministry, officials from the air forces of Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Spain, and the United States will participate in the military exercise in France.

“An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent will be departing on Friday for France, to participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force (FASF). The exercise will be conducted from 17 April to 05 May 2023,” the IAF stated on Thursday.

Image Credit: Indian Air Force

The statement continued,”the drills will be held from April 17 to May 5.”

Four Rafales, two C-17s, two ll-78 aircraft, and 165 air warriors comprise the IAF contingent.

“Participation in this exercise would further enrich the employment philosophy of the Indian Air Force, by imbibing the best practices from other air forces,” IAF PRO Wing Commander Ashish Moghe stated.

Image Credit: Indian Air Force

“Exercise Orion 2023” is the first exercise in what the French Ministry of Defense describes as a triennial cycle of exercises “aimed at reinforcing joint forces operational readiness.”

Almost 12,000 troops, including NATO allies, would be involved in this exercise’s fourth final phase.

The Orion 2023 war games’ first leg began on February 23 and ended on March 11.

According to a latest tweet by ANI,”Exercise Orion 23 | Today, four IAF Rafales departed for Mont-de-Marsan Airbase of the French Air and Space Force. This would be the first overseas exercise for IAF Rafales which are being staged by two C-17 aircraft: Indian Air Force.”

Dassault to deliver 3 of the 4 remaining Rafale in February next year: IAF Chief

News Desk — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 14:53:48 +0000

Out of the 36 Rafale aircraft for which India had contracted with France, 32 have been delivered and out of the remaining four three will arrive in India on time, that is, in February next year said ACM Vivek Ram Chaudhari.

While reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade at Dundigal Air Force Academy, the IAF chief said, As far as discussions on Rafale are concerned, we’re thankful to the French government for the timely deliveries.

He further added that the last rafale aircraft which will have India-specific enhancements will be delivered by the French government. “We discussed the future maintenance issues of Rafale and setting up a Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) centre here in India,” said the IAF Chief.

The IAF Chief’s remarks came a day after France recognises that they can provide more Rafale aircraft if India wants them.

In New Delhi, while attending an annual defence dialogue, the French Defense Minister said, “We are ready to provide any additional needs or requests that could be made by India. We know that the Indian Navy was soon to get the delivery of its second aircraft carrier INS Vikrant for which it would need more fighter aircraft. So we are open and ready to provide any other rafale if chosen by India”.

India and France signed a contract in 2016 as part of which 36 Rafale were to be inducted into the Air Force by 2022. More than 32 aircraft have already been delivered while the rest of the lot would be here by the mid next year.

Rafale induction ceremony cost exchequer over ₹41 lakh says Defence Minister Rajnath Singh

Devanshu Singla — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:34:12 +0000

On Monday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Rajya Sabha said the induction ceremony of the first five Rafale jets at the Ambala Air Force base on September 10 the last cost the exchequer a little over of ₹41 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh GST.

“The first five Rafale aircraft of IAF were formally inducted into IAF on September 10. The arrangements for this event were made mostly through local resources of IAF. The total expenditure on the event was ₹41.32 lakh including ₹9.18 lakh of GST,” he said.

Singh said all-new variant of aircraft are traditionally inducted into the Indian Air Force through a “befitting ceremony”

French Defence Minister Florence Parly and the top echelon of the French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft also attended the Rafale induction ceremony.

The first batch of the five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29. India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of ₹59,000 crore.

The second batch of three Rafale jets arrived in India on November 3 while the third batch of another three jets joined the IAF on January 27.

The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops have been engaged in a standoff for the last nine months.

The first squadron of the Rafale jets is stationed at the Ambala airbase while the second one will be based at the Hasimara base in West Bengal.

Rafale Induction Ceremony: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his french counterpart Florence Parly witness the ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’

Nivedya P T — Thu, 10 Sep 2020 05:44:17 +0000

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart Florence Parly arrive at the Ambala to take part in the Rafale induction ceremony, according to sources. The Indian Air Force had announced yesterday, the formal induction of Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station in Ambala which will be the part of 17 Squadron, the “Golden Arrows”.

MInister of armed Forces of France, Florence Parly arrived at Delhi’s Palam airport today morning and was received with a ceremonial Guard of Honour. Before leaving for Ambala the two ministers had met to exchange pleasantries and is expected to hold talks later in further deepening the bilateral defence and security cooperation after the ceremony, according to sources. Both Rajanath Singh and Florence Parly will be the chief guest for the induction ceremony. Along with them, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat and Air Force Chief Marshal RKS Bhaduria also arrive at Indian Air Force Station Ambala for the ceremony.

The traditional ‘Sarva Dharma Puja’ has been done at Ambala airbase before the induction and the ministers along with others witnessed the ceremony. This will be followed by Air Display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by ‘Sarang Aerobatic Team’. Afterwards, a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale aircraft. The programme will culminate with the ceremonial induction of Rafale aircraft to 17 Squadron.

IAF to formally induct Rafale jets on September 10: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his French counterpart to be the Chief Guests

Nivedya P T — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:36:08 +0000

India: Indian Air Force has decided to formally induct Rafale aircraft at Air Force Station, Ambala on 10th September 2020. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly will be the Chief Guest of the ceremony, according to officials.

The French defence minister is scheduled to arrive Thursday morning and will depart late afternoon, the officials said. She will be given a ceremonial Guard of Honour on arrival at Delhi and the two ministers would hold talks in Ambala on ways to discuss the further deepening of bilateral defence and security cooperation after the ceremony, they said.

The first five Airforce Rafale aircraft arrived from France on July 27 at our Air Force Station nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

Rafale is the first major acquisition of India of fighter planes in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

The aircraft will be part of 17 Squadron of the IAF, the ‘ Golden Arrows’ which was resurrected on September 10 last year.