France could make another pitch to Indian PM Narendra Modi for supplying additional Rafale fighter jets during upcoming G-7 Summit according to reports in ET. Rafale Jets are considered 4.5 generation aircrafts and way-superior to anything that Indian adversaries in the neighbourhood have.
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According to the report, Paris could offer an immediate sale of two more squadrons, which means 36 additional Rafale jets, to the Indian Air Force that has been haunted by ageing Soviet-era fighter aircrafts.
PM Modi is expected to meet his French counterpart – Emmanuel Macron on Thursday during which both sides will hold detailed consultations on a range of subjects including key issues like defence and maritime cooperation.
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The initial deal for 36 Rafale jets (which India signed directly with France) amounted to €7.87 billion, and according to reports if New Delhi goes ahead with additional 36 jets, the costs could be significantly reduced.
Paris could quote less than €6 billion for supplying 30 Rafale Jets, and if all goes well, Dassault could hasten-up its production schedule and roll-out one jet every month over the next six years
The delivery of the first Rafale jet for the Indian Air Force is likely to take place on September 19, with Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh expected to travel to France for the handing over ceremony.
