New Delhi: France is ready to provide an additional Rafale fighter jet to India if demanding, French Defense Minister Florence Parly said on Friday while noting that the same aircraft use by two strategic partners is a reflection of “assets and real strength” in their bonds.
Parly, a visit to India, also said that France was fully committed to supporting the initiative of ‘Make In India’ and further integrating Indian producers into its global supply chain.
The French Defense Minister made a comment in the interactive session organized by Ananta Center on India-French cooperation.
“I am very happy that the Indian Air Force is satisfied with Rafale and we are very proud that even though Covid, 36 aircraft will be sent on time according to the contract, it is a real achievement,” he said in response to a question.
“Using the same plane is assets and real strength.
I am sure there is room for new developments.
We are ready to answer the additional requirements of demand can be made by India,” he said.
The French Embassy on Thursday said a total of 33 Jet Rafale had been sent to India on schedule despite Covid-19 pandemic.
India has signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 fighter jets Rafale at a cost of around Rs 59,000 Crore.
The first batch of five Jet Rafale, which was produced by French Aerospace Major Dassault Aviation, arrived in India on July 29 last year.
The French Minister also refers to the induction of the second aircraft carrier planned India and shows that France will be interested in supplying operator-based jets.
“We know that the aircraft carrier will soon (there) …
that the plane is needed.
We are open and ready to provide other Rafale if this is an Indian decision,” he said.
The Vikrant Aircraft of the first Indian aircraft (IAC) is scheduled to be appointed to the Indian Navy in August next year.
In his comments, Parly said France and India were both “visceral committed” to national sovereignty and independence.
“I think our industrial partnership is proof of it.
France, more than other countries, understand the need for Indian content.
And we are fully committed to the initiative of ‘Make In India’, and further integration of Indian producers into our global supply chain,” he said.
Parly said the ‘Make In India’ has become a reality for the French industry for several years, especially for defense equipment such as submarines.
Then, the French Defense Minister held a broad talks with Indian partners, Rajnath Singh, focusing on further increasing bilateral defenses and security cooperation between the two countries.
Defense and strategic bonds between India and France have upswing over the past few years.
It was lowned that France pitched to start negotiations to procure another batch of 36 Rafale Jet by India.
Jet Rafale is the first Indian acquisition of the fighter aircraft in 23 years after the Sukhoi jet was imported from Russia.
Jet Rafale is able to carry various powerful weapons.
Mbda Meteor Missile Maker outside the visual range of air-to-air missiles and scalp cruise missiles will be a mainstay of weapons packages from Jet Rafale.
Meteors are the next generation outside air-to-air-to-air visual span (Bvraam) designed to revolutionize air-to-air battles.