Page 566 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Rafale jets in 2012 and the deal was inked with Dassault for 126 Multi-Role
Combat Aircraft. After the new government came to power in 2014, India
and France announced a government-to-government deal in 2015 to acquire
36 Rafale jets in flyaway condition. According to the joint statement issued

then, the delivery would be in a time-frame that would be compatible with the
operational requirement of the IAF; and that the aircraft and associated

systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as had
been tested and approved by the IAF, and with a longer maintenance
responsibility. The proposals were presented to the Defence Acquisition

Council and after a Cabinet Committee on Security nod, the deal was signed
in 2016. French President François Hollande visited India in January 2016
and a memorandum of understanding on the purchase of Rafale jets was

signed for $7.8 billion.

Although the deal was originally envisaged to be for 126 aircraft with an
option of 74 more, the final agreement has been settled at around 36 jets.

Projected to cost $12 billion in 2012, that figure has also come down to $7.88
billion.

Why Rafale is important for India

It will help maintain the IAF’s air superiority as they have no equivalent

in the region. Given the technological sophistication and the long range,

the Rafale fighter jets will play a lead role as nuclear delivery platforms
in India’s second-strike capability, replacing the Mirage 2000 fighters.

Rafale jets with their advanced technology and high range will increase
the capability of the unchallenged IAF in the region. Currently, India is

one of the most diverse air forces in the world. With the entry of the

Rafale fighter jets, the diversity will increase.

Procurement of 36 aircraft will plug the gaps in operational
requirements. It will buy the IAF some more time before it starts

decommissioning the MiG 21 and MiG 27 squadrons. The Rafale’s

primary role is to replace the IAF’s retiring fleet: while the Tejas Light