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| Air Chief Marshal AP Singh. (Image | Shekhar Yadav) |
New Delhi, June 2 - Air Chief Marshal AP Singh arrived in France on Monday for a crucial four-day visit aimed at advancing India's ambitious mega Rafale fighter jet acquisition programme. As the Indian Air Force pushes forward with plans to procure 114 advanced Rafale aircraft, the IAF chief is engaging with senior French officials and Dassault Aviation executives to accelerate negotiations. This government-to-government deal, valued at around Rs 3.25 lakh crore, represents one of the largest combat aircraft procurements globally and underscores India's commitment to bolstering air power amid evolving security challenges.
The visit comes as India prepares to issue a formal Letter of Request, following Defence Acquisition Council approval. Discussions will centre on technology transfer, local manufacturing under the Make in India initiative, and production of a significant number of jets in India through strategic partnerships. This approach not only strengthens bilateral defence ties between India and France but also aims to enhance self-reliance in aerospace capabilities, creating jobs and boosting the domestic defence ecosystem.
A non-negotiable condition in the Rafale deal remains the seamless integration of indigenous weapons systems. Indian officials have emphasised that modalities for incorporating homegrown armaments like Astra missiles and other DRDO-developed munitions will be finalised during talks, ensuring operational sovereignty and compatibility with the IAF's existing network-centric warfare architecture. This integration marks a significant step towards reducing dependency on foreign munitions while maximising the multi-role fighter's combat effectiveness.
The mega Rafale deal is expected to play a pivotal role in addressing squadron shortages and modernising the Indian Air Force fleet. With first deliveries anticipated in the coming years, successful negotiations could pave the way for deeper Indo-French collaboration in defence technology, reinforcing India's position as a major global aerospace player.
