Page 567 - SSB Interview: The Complete Guide, Second Edition

Combat Aircraft is expected to step in at the low end, the Rafale will
occupy the mid-level force structure with the expectation that an

advanced indigenous descendant of the Tejas or the fifth-generation

fighter that India is jointly developing with Russia will form the top of
the line component.

India’s Rafale will deploy the in-development BrahMos NG missile in

either a twin or single weapon load-out when the system is ready from
2021. The MBDA Scalp and BrahMos will provide planners with unique

subsonic/supersonic stand-off attack options available to no other air

force in the world.

The Indian Rafale will be the first IAF combat aircraft that stands

technologically linked to improvements being progressively added to
Rafales in the French military. The improvements under the proposed F4

Standard, for instance, which were announced in March, will transfer to
the IAF’s fleet when ready.

Concerns regarding the Deal

Transfer of technology: The current deal has a 50% offset component.
Accordingly, Dassault will manufacture items worth 50% of the deal in

India. However, the absence of a transfer of technology (ToT)

component is raised as an issue. Also, no role is guaranteed for any
Indian public sector company, including HAL.

The present deal as a direct government-to-government agreement, as

against the earlier open tender, has been criticised.

Also, the 36 fighters are said to have been purchased at a much higher

price than earlier negotiated. The previous Government’s price for 126
aircraft was never finalised, and no contract was signed or executed.

Hence, no official figure on the price was ever given. The Defence

Minister declined to share the cost of the Rafale fighters under the new