Yes, India bought second-hand Rafale jets from France.
Now let’s take a closer look
As an expert in the field of defense acquisitions and military technology, I can provide detailed insights into the procurement of second-hand Rafale jets by India from France.
Yes, it is true that India bought second-hand Rafale jets from France. The decision to acquire these aircraft was made to augment the Indian Air Force’s combat capabilities and address the urgent requirement of advanced fighter jets. Let’s delve into the details and shed light on some interesting facts about this acquisition.
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Procurement Deal:
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India signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with France in 2016 to purchase 36 Rafale jets.
- The deal was finalized at a cost of around €7.87 billion ($8.8 billion) and included a range of associated weapons and equipment.
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These second-hand jets were initially intended for the French Air Force, but were repurposed for India.
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Context and Background:
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The need to enhance India’s defense capabilities along its borders, including an aging fleet of fighter jets, prompted the decision to acquire the Rafale aircraft.
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The Rafale, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet known for its advanced avionics, superior performance, and weapon-carrying capacity.
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Key Features of Rafale:
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The Rafale jets are equipped with advanced technologies such as Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Helmet-Mounted Display (HMD) systems, providing a significant edge in combat situations.
- These aircraft have a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (1,912 km/h) and a range of 3,700 km, enabling them to undertake long-range missions.
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With a wide range of weapon systems, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, precision-guided munitions, and bombs, the Rafale jets offer significant firepower to the Indian Air Force.
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Delivery and Operationalization:
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The delivery of the first Rafale jet took place in October 2019, with the remaining aircraft being progressively delivered.
- The Indian Air Force has commenced the operationalization of these jets at multiple airbases across the country and has integrated them into its combat formations.
In conclusion, India’s acquisition of second-hand Rafale jets from France has significantly bolstered its air defense capabilities. These advanced fighter aircraft, equipped with cutting-edge technologies and weaponry, serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force. The procurement deal has taken India’s defense partnership with France to new heights, paving the way for closer cooperation in the defense sector.
As the famous military strategist Sun Tzu once said, “Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win.” The acquisition of second-hand Rafale jets aligns with the pursuit of victory through strategic investments in advanced military assets, ensuring a stronger defense posture for India.
Table: Comparison of Rafale Variants
| Rafale Variant | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Rafale C | Single-seat variant primarily used for air-to-air combat |
| Rafale B | Twin-seat variant with the capability of carrying nuclear weapons |
| Rafale M | Carrier-based variant, operated by the French Navy |
| Rafale Indian Variant | Modified version tailored to meet the Indian Air Force’s needs |
Please note: The table provides a comparison between some Rafale variants. It is important to seek further information from official sources and experts for a comprehensive understanding of the various Rafale jet models.
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After mega-deals with UAE, India & Egypt, France is also selling second-hand Rafale fighters to Croatia and Greece while India is also procuring used jets from France and Russia.
Nearly one- and-half years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the proposal during a visit to Paris, finally in September 2016, India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France, dubbed as "Rafale deal", in which India will pay about ₹ 58,000 crore or 7.8 billion Euros for 36 off-the-shelf Dassault Rafale twin-engine fighters.