"The Indians, who are currently customers, want to co-produce with us; we have seen the Rafale here, but they want to co-produce combat aircraft in India. They want to handle more of the maintenance, which is legitimate," he was quoted as saying by the French media on the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit here.
This visit highlights France's engagement in the Indo-Pacific and the centrality of India in the French strategy.
“The visit of CAS from 19- 23 April will enhance potential avenues for strengthening the level of interaction between the two Air Forces,” the Defence Ministry said.
'Second batch of IAF Rafale aircraft arrived in India at 8:14 pm on 04 Nov 20 after flying non-stop from France,' IAF informed in a tweet.
It is a matter of record that just a couple of years ago, the Government was scouring international resale markets for junked Jaguars to cannibalise them for spares to use in the IAF’s primary deep penetration strike aircraft capable of delivering nuclear warheads.
Hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the opposition over the delay in the procurement of the Rafale fighter aircraft Congress president Rahul Gandhi hit back saying that it was the PM who is “solely responsible”.
As far as HAL is concerned, its dedicated, loyal, workers would hope that a silver lining does break through to the dark clouds hovering over their “giant”
The Navy sometimes calls itself the “silent service”, yet while shunning the bombast often dished out by the brass hats.
Speaking at a function at the Hindon Air Force base here to officers and personnel to mark the 86th anniversary of the IAF, he said the Air Force was "in the process of acquiring new combat systems. The acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft, the S-400 missile systems, Apache attack helicopters and Chinook heavy lift helicopters would further enhance our capabilities."
The road transport and highways minister alleged that the Opposition was trying to create confusion about the deal.
