Source : Indian Defence Updates (IDU)
Dassault betting big on Nagpur facility as it is discussing possible order of 100 Rafale for IAF under Govt-to-Govt deal
Dassault Aviation is exploring the option to buy out the stake of Reliance Defense in their joint venture Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) as it aims to redefine timelines and streamline the production of Rafale fighter jets under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) program of the Indian Air Force that will allow the first locally assembled Rafale to conduct first flight as early as 2028 which is significantly ahead of the originally projected schedule.
Dassault Aviation is discussing a possible Government-to-Government deal that seeks a minimum purchase of 100 Rafale units as well as the transformation of the Nagpur-based facility into a maintenance, repair, and overhaul hub for all global Rafale aircraft orders.
Despite the push of Dassault Aviation, it is being reported from various sources that there is a very minimal chance or almost no chance to have a breakthrough in the MRFA tender or the deal of the Indian Air Force, as the 2024 Lok Sabha election is just 6-7 months away, and at this moment, Govt will hardly go forward with such a massive defence deal. Any breakthrough which is expected may happen only after August 2024, or even in 2025 in the MRFA deal, so Indian Air Force and also Dassault Aviation will have to wait for 1 and a half more years for any clarity regarding the deal. 100 Rafale for IAF under Govt-to-Govt deal 100 Rafale for IAF under Govt-to-Govt deal 100 Rafale for IAF under Govt-to-Govt deal IgMp
