New Delhi, July 4: The Indian Air Force has told the government it needs at least 80 aircraft of the capabilities of the Rafale to make up for the shortfall in its fighter jet squadrons.
In April this year, during a visit to Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the air force would go for an outright purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, made by French firm Dassault Aviation.
The figure of 36 is inconsistent with the tender for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft that the Indian government had floated. The air force too has said the purchase does not fit into its "operational matrix".
A back-of-the envelope calculation suggests that each Rafale could cost around Rs 800 crore. Indian and French officials are now engaged in negotiations to sign a contract in another two months.
05/07/15 Special Correspondent/Telegraphindia
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In April this year, during a visit to Paris, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced that the air force would go for an outright purchase of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, made by French firm Dassault Aviation.
The figure of 36 is inconsistent with the tender for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft that the Indian government had floated. The air force too has said the purchase does not fit into its "operational matrix".
A back-of-the envelope calculation suggests that each Rafale could cost around Rs 800 crore. Indian and French officials are now engaged in negotiations to sign a contract in another two months.
05/07/15 Special Correspondent/Telegraphindia
