France will ensure timely delivery of Rafale fighter aircraft despite Covid: Rajnath Singh

Even as France is badly hit by coronavirus pandemic, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that it will ensure timely delivery of Rafale fighter aircraft to India. Taking to Twitter, Defence Minister informed that he had a telephonic conversation with French Minister of Armed Forces Florence Parly. He said that while French minister has ensured timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite challenges during Covid-19 pandemic, both countries have also agreed to strengn Bilateral Defence Cooperation between m.

"Had a telephonic conversation with French Minister of Armed Forces, Ms Florence Parly today. We discussed matters of mutual concern including COVID-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengn Bilateral Defence Cooperation between India and France. We also appreciated efforts made by Armed Forces of India and France in fighting COVID-19 pandemic. France has affirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale Aircraft despite challenges posed by COVID-19 pandemic," Defence Minister tweeted.  

READ | Coronavirus Live Updates

Earlier, French Ambassador Emmanuel Lenain had said that re will be delay in delivery of 36 Rafale jets to India as timeline finalised for supply of fighter jets will be strictly respected. " contractual delivery schedule of Rafale jets has been perfectly respected till w, and, in fact, a new aircraft was handed over to Indian Air Force in end-April in France, in keeping with contract," Lenain had told PTI.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh received first Rafale jet at an airbase in France on October 8, 2019.  IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome fighter aircraft. first squadron of aircraft will be stationed at Ambala air force station, considered one of most strategically located bases of IAF. Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from re. second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangars and maintenance facilities at two bases. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. trainer jets will be twin-seater with almost all features of fighter jets. 

READ |  Rafale Review Petitions Dismissed By SC, Court Rejects 'roving & Fishing Inquiry'

Rafale deal

government of India signed a deal with French government and Dassault Aviation to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets to bolster India’s urgent requirement on eastern and western borders in September 2016. It costs more than 7.8 billion euros. opposition parties led by Congress-led a frontal attack on this deal. Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi had demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to probe various allegations like escalation of procurement price and undue benefits to a private Indian company. On vember 14, 2019, Supreme Court rejected a bunch of pleas seeking a review of its December 14, 2018 judgement, which had dismissed petitions against  Rafale deal. 

READ | Delhi HC dismisses plea challenging Centre's decision to freeze hike in dearness allowance

Advants of Rafale

Being a Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA), Rafale jet is kwn for its speed, weapon holding capacity and attack capability.  Rafale is powered by two SNECMA M88 engines, which helps it attain a high speed of 1,912 km per hour and a range of more than 3,700 km. It also has a Martin-Baker Mark 16F ‘zero-zero’ ejection seat, capable of operating at zero speed and altitude. Equipped with AESA radar, SPECTRA Electronic Warfare System and IRST system, Rafale is categorized as a 4.5 generation aircraft. This is invaluable as IAF currently has only third and fourth generation fighter jets. However, its biggest advant is its capability of delivering nuclear weapons. 

Additionally, Meteor is a game-changing missile on-board. This implies that an Indian Rafale jet will be able to shoot down an enemy aircraft over 100 km away without even crossing air . Weighing 1,300 kg, ar key element is  Scalp long-range air-to-ground stand-off cruise missile, that can strike 600 km into enemy territory. Some of or India-specific modifications include radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems. 

READ: Never Politicise Defence & National Security: Rajnath Singh Extols Rafale Transparency