This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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India and France finalized an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on Friday for the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from the later country at a cost of €7.87 billion. Quite noticeably, India is purchasing fighter aircraft for the first time since the purchase of Sukhois from Russia in the late 90’s.
Signed by India’s Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, and his French counterpart, Jean Yves Le Drian, the deal was concluded after 17 months of tough negotiations. Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO, Eric Trappier, was also present at the event. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had first indicated about a possible purchase deal in April 2014 for buying the jets in fly-away condition, citing “critical operational necessity” of the IAF. In a press briefing Mr. Parrikar mentioned that “Rafale is a potent aircraft and will add to the capability of the IAF.”
According to Dassault, the Rafale is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft that is capable of carrying out all combat missions: air defence, interception, ground support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence. Analysts attach most important to its ability to succeed Mirage fighters for nuclear warhead delivery as part of India’s nuclear doctrine. A senior defense analyst reportedly mentioned that “the IGA does not put any restrictions on its use.” The basic cost of the aircraft is about €91 million or about Rs. 680 crore and little over Rs.1600 crore per aircraft for the whole deal. Defence sources said the agreement has many components, which are better that the original deal and the best part is the weapons package.
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