114 Rafale Deal Likely to Be Finalised by Year-End, Indian Weapons to Be Integrated

New Delhi: A big update has come out regarding India's purchase plan of 114 Rafale fighter planes. According to Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, this procurement process is expected to be completed by the end of the current financial year. This time India's efforts are not limited to just purchasing foreign fighter aircraft, rather emphasis is being laid on maximum use of Indian weapons and indigenous systems in the aircraft.

Defense Secretary told ANI that formal evaluation of the proposals given by the companies for the purchase of 114 Rafale aircraft is underway. After this, the Indian side will take the process forward and efforts are being made to finalize this purchase within this financial year.

What will be special in 114 Rafale aircraft?

The biggest feature of this proposed deal is its Buy and Make model. According to the plan, a large number of Rafale aircraft will be assembled in India. Along with this, work will also be done towards incorporating Indian systems and weapons in the aircraft.

According to the Defense Secretary, India wants to take the level of indigenization in this project further than the previously contracted Rafale Marine aircraft. This is also likely to boost the Indian defense industry and domestic supply chain.

At what stage is the process of Rafale deal at present?

According to the Defense Ministry, companies have submitted their bids under the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued for the purchase of 114 aircraft. At present these proposals are being evaluated.

After completion of the assessment, the Indian side will initiate further negotiations and procurement process. The Defense Secretary indicated that significant progress could be made in the current procurement cycle by the end of this year.

What did the Defense Secretary say about LCA Mk2?

The Defense Secretary also clarified the situation regarding the indigenous LCA Mk2 i.e. Tejas Mk2 program. He said the program is ongoing and its first prototype is scheduled to begin flight testing in the middle of next year.

He said that initially the requirement of the Air Force was said to be about 120 LCA Mk2 aircraft. However, first prototypes will be ready, then they will be tested and evaluated. After this a decision will be taken regarding further purchases.

What will be the role of private companies in Tejas Mk2?

Public sector company HAL will have a major role in the LCA Mk2 programme, but participation of the private sector and MSME sector is also being increased. According to the Defense Secretary, private companies are also contributing in the manufacturing of sub-assemblies as well as some major parts and components like fuselage.

Apart from this, private sector production lines have also been included for some parts. The Government aims to advance aircraft manufacturing capacity under public sector leadership with participation of private industry.

What are India's plans regarding AMCA?

The Defense Secretary also gave information on India's indigenous fifth generation fighter aircraft AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programme. He said that RFP has been sought from the shortlisted manufacturers for AMCA.

Some companies have asked for additional time considering the complexity of the project and the government is considering giving them more time. The Defense Secretary also clarified that at present India has not decided to join any foreign fifth generation fighter aircraft program.

India's current focus is on the AMCA program and the future direction will be decided based on the process of prototyping, testing and evaluation.