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.
