France is ready to provide additional Rafale fighter jets to India if it requires, French Defence Minister Florence Parly said on Friday while noting that the use of the same aircraft by the two strategic partners is a reflection of “real asset and strength” in their ties.
Ms Parly, on a visit to India, also said that France is fully committed to supporting the ‘Make in India’ initiative and further integrating the Indian manufacturers into its global supply chains.
The French Defence Minister made the comments at an interactive session organised by Ananta Centre on India-France cooperation.
“I am very happy that the Indian Air Force is satisfied with its Rafale and we are very proud that despite COVID, the 36 aircraft will be delivered on time according to the contract, it is a real achievement,” she said in response to a question.
“Using the same aircraft is a real asset and strength. I am sure that there is room for new developments. We are ready to answer any additional needs of request that could be made by India,” she said.
The French embassy, on 16 December, said a total of 33 Rafale jets have already been delivered to India as per schedule despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around ₹ 59,000 crore.
The first batch of five Rafale jets, manufactured by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, arrived in India on July 29 last year.
The French minister also referred to India’s planned induction of a second aircraft carrier and indicated that France will be interested to supply the carrier-based jets.
“We know that the aircraft carrier will soon be (there)…that aircraft are needed. We are open and ready to provide any other Rafale if this is India’s decision,” she said.
India’s first home-made aircraft carrier (IAC) Vikrant is scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Navy by August next year.
