Big information has come to light regarding the Rafale deal in France quoting French diplomatic sources. Now the new Rafale deal will be better than the old Rafale deal. There will also be talk about inclusion of Indian weapons in Rafale fighter jets. As far as fighter jets like F-35 and SU-57 are also proposed to India, the French top level diplomatic level says that we cannot be compared with anyone else in this matter.
Actually, French President Emmanuel Macron will be visiting India in the third week of February. Before this, the Defense Ministry of India is expected to review the Rs 32 lakh crore proposal to purchase 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). The Defense Procurement Board had given preliminary approval to the Indian Air Force's proposal last month.
This proposal is likely to be discussed in the high level meeting of the Defense Ministry next week. In view of the current security scenario, it is being considered important to meet the operational needs of the Air Force. Currently the Indian Air Force operates about 30 fighter squadrons. Which is less than the approved number of 42 squadrons. On the other hand, before the Prime Minister's visit to France for the G7 summit next week, French Ambassador to India Thierry Matthau has given a big statement.
He said that any future purchase of Rafale fighter jets by India will be under the country's 'Make-in-India' requirement. He also said that India's participation in G7 is inevitable amidst the growing global economic and geopolitical challenges. In an interview to Times of India, Matthau said that discussions are ongoing on the 114 Rafale aircraft proposed by India under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme.
When asked about technology transfer and local production, he said, these discussions are still going on, so I cannot give specific information. All I want to say is that like many other defense programs jointly developed by France and India, it is our intention that this specification be in line with India's 'Make in India' needs.
