With the Rafale deal sealed, Astra integration is set to become a key component of India’s future air combat loadout. Missile likely to equip all IAF fighters, barring Mirage 2000.
India also developing 87 Twin Engine Deck Based Fighters. Indian Navy initially sought 145, based on three-carrier force plan, but govt advised planning based on two-aircraft carrier force.
3 new Scorpène submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipyard in partnership with France's Naval Group. Acquisition of Rafale M aircraft is under Inter-Governmental Agreement.
French team will include officials from defence ministry & industry including original equipment manufacturers Dassault Aviation and Thales for negotiation Thursday.
India had put in a request for 26 Rafale Marine fight jets for aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Last year, Navy had shortlisted the Rafale-M over American fighter F/A-18 Super Hornet.
Eric Trappier to attend senior level meetings Monday, Tuesday. Govt-to-govt talks on for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for Navy — 22 single-seat Rafale M & four trainer aircraft.
Rajnath Singh-led Defence Acquisition Council cleared proposals for procurement of the fighter aircraft and submarines just after PM left for his official visit to France, it is learnt.
The marine version of the French fighter jet performed a ski-jump —a crucial take-off capability — to demonstrate its ability to operate from Indian aircraft carriers.
No nation other than China can negotiate one-on-one with Trump on an equal footing. That’s why the middle powers who so far formed the core of multilateral bodies now feel orphaned.
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