India and France signed an agreement on 36 Rafale fighter jets

India and France on Friday concluded an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of €7.87 billion, the first fighter aircraft deal since the purchase of Sukhois from Russia in the late 90’s.

The deal was signed by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean Yves Le Drian. Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO.  

• The deal comes after 17 months of tough negotiations since Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the decision in April 2014 for direct purchase of the jets in fly-away condition, citing “critical operational necessity” of the IAF.

About Rafale aircraft:

• Rafales are twin-engine Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) manufactured by Dassault Aviation, a French firm. 
• Rafale fighter jets are positioned as ‘omnirole’ aircrafts that capable to perform a wide-range of combat roles such as air supremacy, interdiction,aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike and nuclear deterrence.
• The deal includes the aircraft in fly-away condition, weapons, simulators, spares, maintenance, and Performance Based Logistics support for five years. 
• Dassault will begin aircraft deliveries after 36 months and complete in 67 months. France will also provide logistics and ground support and ensure that there is 75 percent i.e. 27 aircraft are operationally available at any time.