Rafale fighter jet delivered to India: What makes this next-gen aircraft so special
The induction of Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force will add immensely to India's air power, making it one of the four countries to possess this next-gen fighter jet

- Oct 9, 2019,
- Updated Oct 9, 2019 2:54 PM IST
France on Tuesday delivered the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to India as part of the $8.78 billion (Rs 59,000 crore) deal signed in 2016. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who's on a three-day visit to France, received the first Rafale aircraft at Dassault Aviation's facility in Merignac and even took a sortie on it. Of the total 36 aircraft, four will be flying over the Indian skies by May 2020. The induction of Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will add immensely to India's air power, making it one of the four countries, besides France, Egypt and Qatar, to possess the next-gen fighter jet. The first batch of Rafale will be station in Ambala with Vintage 17 Squadron, while the second batch will be stationed at Hasimara in West Bengal.
Apart from Dassault, French companies Thales and Safron are also involved in the Rafale's production. And, as per the deal, these three companies have to plough back defence offsets worth Rs 30,000 crore into India by 2023. While Dassulat will spend the money on airframe and system integration, Thales will invest in electronics, radar and counter-measures in aircraft. Safron will develop the M88 engine and landing gear.
Edited by Manoj Sharma
France on Tuesday delivered the first of the 36 Rafale fighter jets to India as part of the $8.78 billion (Rs 59,000 crore) deal signed in 2016. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who's on a three-day visit to France, received the first Rafale aircraft at Dassault Aviation's facility in Merignac and even took a sortie on it. Of the total 36 aircraft, four will be flying over the Indian skies by May 2020. The induction of Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will add immensely to India's air power, making it one of the four countries, besides France, Egypt and Qatar, to possess the next-gen fighter jet. The first batch of Rafale will be station in Ambala with Vintage 17 Squadron, while the second batch will be stationed at Hasimara in West Bengal.
Apart from Dassault, French companies Thales and Safron are also involved in the Rafale's production. And, as per the deal, these three companies have to plough back defence offsets worth Rs 30,000 crore into India by 2023. While Dassulat will spend the money on airframe and system integration, Thales will invest in electronics, radar and counter-measures in aircraft. Safron will develop the M88 engine and landing gear.
Edited by Manoj Sharma