Progress on Rafale Fighter Aircraft Deal As per the India-France Joint Statement issued by the two countries during the Prime Ministers visit to France, Government of India conveyed to the Government of France that in view of the critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat Aircraft for Indian Air Force (IAF), Government of India would like to acquire (36) Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible. The two leaders agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement for supply of the aircraft on terms that would be better than conveyed by Dassault Aviation as part of a separate process underway, the delivery would be in time-frame that would be compatible with the operational requirement of IAF; and that the aircraft and associated systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as had been tested and approved by Indian Air Force, and with a longer maintenance responsibility by France. A Negotiating Team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend the draft agreement. The meetings of the Indian Negotiating team with the French side have commenced. This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Dr. R. Lakshmanan in Rajya Sabha today. DM/NAMPI/RAJ
