FINALISATION OF PURCHASE OF RAFALE JETS

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on July19 stated that India had conveyed to the Government of France that in view of the critical operational necessity for multi-role combat aircraft for the IAF, the Government of India would like to ac- quire 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition. Both the sides also agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for supply of the aircraft. A negotiating team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement. The negotiations are underway and IGA and offset contract are yet to be finalised.