In a boost to Indian Defence ncies, Government of India is expected to sign a deal for 36 more Rafale Jets by early 2020, said an Indian Defence Research Wing report published on Saturday, September 21. Indian Air Force (IAF) has alrey been handed first Rafale jet 'RB-001', however, jet will officially be handed over to IAF by Dassault Aviation on October 8, in an official induction ceremony to be held in France, which Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh will attend. With dition of 36 more Rafale jets to fleet, total number is expected to go up to 72, ding more strength to Indian defence units.  Modi government has alrey invested in country-specific enhancements and infrastructure to support jets in country.

IAF's plan to strengn its armoury

Request for Information (RFI) has alrey been issued by IAF for procurement of 114 Me-in-India fighter jets of foreign origin. A delay of 3-5 years is expected before first Me-in-India fighter jet is inducted into IAF, that is if contract is signed by 2020. Reportedly, US has also been pressurizing India to purchase its F-21 Lockheed Martin jets which are just re-bged F16 jets. offer is most likely to be rejected after Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman downed an F-16 jet by Pakistan. However, an offer of Boeing F-18, which has both a carrier as well as an Air force variant, is being considered by Indian Air Force. 

RE | IAF receives first ‘acceptance’ Rafale aircraft from Dassault Aviation

RE | PM Modi hails military upgres; from Rafale to bullet-proof jackets

PM Modi's visit to Russia accelerates fighter jets procurement

SAAB's Gripen-E remains out of contention while Russian Mig-35 and Sukhoi-Su-35 are also expected to fall out of procurement race against Rafale jets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Russia has accelerated procurement of 18 Su-30 MKI and 21 Mig-29 fighter jets from Russia by IAF. Upgration of 272 aircraft of Su-30 MKI fleet also remains under serious consideration. Dassault Aviation, creator of Rafale, has also offered to help build India's 5th generation AMCA fighter jet, only if y win contract to supply fighter aircraft to IAF.

RE | Rajnath Singh to receive 1st Indian Rafale aircraft in France on Oct 8

RE | Rajnath Singh: India needs more invation to be self-sufficient