In a boost to Indian Defence agencies, the 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. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has already been handed the first Rafale jet 'RB-001', however, the jet will officially be handed over to the IAF by Dassault Aviation on October 8, in an official induction ceremony to be held in France, which the Union Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh will attend. With the addition of 36 more Rafale jets to the fleet, the total number is expected to go up to 72, adding more strength to the Indian defence units. The Modi government has already invested in country-specific enhancements and infrastructure to support the jets in the country.

IAF's plan to strengthen its armoury

Request for Information (RFI) has already been issued by the IAF for procurement of 114 Made-in-India fighter jets of foreign origin. A delay of 3-5 years is expected before the first Made-in-India fighter jet is inducted into the IAF, that is if the contract is signed by 2020. Reportedly, the US has also been pressurizing India to purchase its F-21 Lockheed Martin jets which are just re-badged F16 jets. The 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 the Indian Air Force. 

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PM Modi's visit to Russia accelerates fighter jets procurement

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

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

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