Page 565 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

mammoth plan to revamp its air force fleet by introducing MMRCAs
(Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft).

Six renowned aircraft manufacturers competed to bag the contract of 126

fighter jets, which was touted to be the largest-ever defence procurement deal
of India. All aircraft were tested by the IAF and after careful analysis on the
bids, two of them — Eurofighter and Rafale — were shortlisted. Dassault
bagged the contract to provide fighter jets as it was the lowest bidder and the

aircraft was said to be easy to maintain.

Rafale Jets

Dassault claims Rafale has ‘omnirole’ capability to perform several

actions at the same time, such as firing air-to-air missiles at a very low
altitude.

Rafale can carry out both air-to-ground, as well as air-to-air attacks and
interceptions during the same sortie.

The aircraft is fitted with an on-board oxygen generation system

(OBOGS), which suppresses the need for liquid oxygen refilling or
ground support for oxygen production.

It carries out a wide range of missions: air-defence/air-superiority,
reconnaissance, close air support dynamic targeting, air-to-ground

precision strike/interdiction, anti-ship attacks, nuclear deterrence and
buddy-buddy refuelling.

Rafale Deal

Rafale deal is a government-to-government agreement between India and
France for procurement of 36 fighters. The proposal was put forth in 2000
during PM Vajpayee’s reign for procurement of advanced jet fighters as part

of the modernisation of the Indian Air Force, though the process was initiated
by the UPA-I Government in 2007. The UPA-II Government zeroed in on