Dassault Aviation welcomes SC decision on Rafale

The Dassault Aviation on Friday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court that dismissed petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the Rs 59,000-crore Rafale fighter jet deal.

"Dassault Aviation takes note of the Supreme Court conclusions establishing the absence of any irregularities in the decision-making process to purchase 36 Rafale, pricing of Rafale jets and selection of Indian offset partners including Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence by Dassault Aviation," Dassault said in a statement.

It said that its partnership with India goes back a long way with the Indian Air Force (IAF) inducting the Toofani aircraft in 1953.

"Fully committed in a strong relationship of mutual trust with India for over 65 years now, all resources of Dassault Aviation are entirely mobilised to make the Rafale, chosen by India in 2012 following a very complete competitive bidding process and evaluation, the spearhead of the IAF," it said.

"Dassault Aviation will ensure successful production in the country through the Dassault Reliance Joint Venture in Nagpur as well as through a full-fledged supply chain network involving already 30 companies with which Dassault Aviation signed contracts and additional 60 companies currently under discussions," it added.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said that the deal was "absolutely clean in accordance with Indian laws and regulations", and that the first Falcon part is "currently under delivery" out of their facility in Nagpur.

--IANS

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