Rajnath Singh says, 'everyone's excited about IAF's Rafale induction'

Minister for Defence Rajnath Singh on October 7, stated that everybody is “excited” about event set to take place on, Tuesday, October 8. Defence Minister was referring to event in which Rafale aircraft will be officially inducted into Indian Air Force.  Defence Minister stated that "naturally, everyone is excited about Rafale coming to India and Rafale will be handed over tomorrow, you too should witness ceremony."

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Bilateral relations between France and India

Commenting on his visit to France on a three-day visit, Rajnath Singh said he is looking forward to deepening ties with country. 

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Rajnath Singh scheduled to meet Macron

During his visit, he will receive first of 36 Rafale fighter jets manufactured for India. On October 8, Defence Minister is scheduled to meet French President Emmanuel Macron. India h ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore in September 2016. While formal handover ceremony takes place this week, first batch of four Rafale jets will fly to ir home base in India by May 2020. All 36 jets are expected to arrive in India by September 2022, for which IAF has been reportedly undertaking preparations, including reying required infrastructure and training of pilots.  handover ceremony will be followed by annual Indo-French Defence Dialogue between Singh and French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly back in Paris on Tuesday evening.  

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About Rafale jet

 Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. manufacturers describe it as a fully versatile aircraft that can carry out all combat aviation missions to achieve air superiority and air defence, close air support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes, and nuclear deterrence.  Rafale entered service with French Navy in 2004.  Rafale jets intended for India are expected to come with certain bespoke modifications for IAF and have been awaited as a crucial enhancement to India's Medium Multi-role Combat Aircraft fleet. 

first Rafale jet will come with tail number RB 001, with RB deting initials of Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Bhauria who played a key role in striking deal for jets in his previous role as IAF Deputy Chief. On Wednesday, Minister is scheduled to dress CEOs representing leing French defence industry enterprises. As part of a wider 'Make in India' mess, Singh will invite m to participate in  DefExpo to be held in Luckw from February 5 to 8 next year.  

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(NCY INPUTS)