Indian Air Force to Acquire 36 Rafale Fighters

April 10, 2015

Ryan Gehm

Patrol flight of two Rafales: a single-seater in full “Air-Air” configuration—6 MICA + 3 supersonic drop tanks of 1250 L—and a two-seater in mixed configuration—2x SCALP + MICA + 3 drop tanks of 2000 L. (Dassault Aviation - K. Tokunaga)

The Indian Government recently announced its intention to finalize the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft from Dassault Aviation at conditions necessary to meet the security needs of India. Dassault Aviation, which has been a supplier to the Indian Air Force for more than 60 years, is grateful for the opportunity to pursue and extend their partnership, said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation. “Just as we are delivering the first upgraded Mirage 2000, I am delighted by the decision of the Indian Authorities which gives a new impetus to our partnership for the next decades and comes within the scope of the strategic relationship gathering France and India,” he said in a statement announcing the deal.