France will remain under lockdown until 11 May, delaying the delivery. Indian personnel are now undergoing limited training that had completely stopped in March.
Former IAF chief Air Marshal B.S. Dhanoa took a veiled dig at previous govts, saying they kept negotiating for 10 years to get the advanced multi-role jets.
CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines, the manufacturer of Rafale jet engines, also revealed plans for $150 million investment in India towards training and maintenance.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will formally receive the first Rafale fighter jet in France's Merignac Tuesday. Four jets will arrive in India by May 2020.
Bird-hits contribute to about 10% of fighter jet accidents. IAF officers blame it on lack of bird-detection radars, manpower & filth outside air bases.
Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, is said to have already carried out a test production of certain parts that could be manufactured in India.
The graduation is meant to bolster the legacy and legitimacy of Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, even as the real-world preparedness lagged behind the glossy narrative.
Indonesia delegation led by Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin visited BrahMos facility & met with top officials & undertook a detailed briefing on the missile system.
It is a brilliant, reasonably priced, and mostly homemade aircraft with a stellar safety record; only two crashes in 24 years since its first flight. But its crash is a moment of introspection.
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