Rafale International at Yelahanka
Rafale International were very prominent at Aero India 2021. At its booth located Hall B, Rafale International displayed a scale 1:5 Rafale mock up with the Indian colours in tribute to induction of the aircraft in the Indian Air Force. A Rafale M (Rafale naval variant) model of scale 1:10 was also displayed to present capabilities of this Rafale variant taking part in the tender for 57 aircraft to equip Indian Navy aircraft carriers. “This massive Rafale presentation illustrates the determination of Rafale International to take part in Indian defence preparedness and its commitment to meet all future additional fighter aircraft needs”, stated company officials.
Also, a 1:10 scale Mirage 2000 I/ TI mockup showed off the “legendary spearhead aircraft” of the Indian Air Force, upgraded by Dassault/HAL .
Complementing this was space dedicated to the “Make in India” achievements of Dassault Aviation, with implementation of offsets obligations in line with contractual commitments, not to mention several ambitious projects with the DRDO and other partners. This section presented, after the first Falcon 2000 cockpit front section revealed at Aero India 2019, major parts of Rafale, engine doors and rudder manufactured by Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) facility in Nagpur.
These highlighted Dassault Aviation’s “full commitment to build up an Indian aerospace manufacturing eco-system, both in civil and military area, matching highest standards in this field and positioning India as an international reference in the global aerospace market”. Larger infrastructures are currently being developed and will allow the ramp-up of DRAL capabilities leading to Falcon 2000s manufactured and assembled in India.
More importantly this paves the way for a full Make in India of the Rafale should India decide to proceed with additional acquisitions to fulfill needs of the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
“The technological know-how and competences of Dassault Aviation and its partners, Thales and Safran Aircraft Engines are entirely dedicated to partner India in meeting its strategic defence and economic needs. Participating at Aero India and more widely, establishing ourselves in India with a view to developing wide-ranging cooperation under the Make in India policy, means renewing our vows with India after more than six decades of common history and a bright future ahead,” stated Eric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation.