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World Aviation Defense & Security News - India & France
 
 
India and France close to wrapping up Rafale deal
 
India and France are close to finalizing the deal for the sale of 36 Dassault Rafale fighter aircraft. The two sides have been in discussions since June 2015 when New Delhi announced the procurement, after cancelling its plans to buy 126 aircraft. The two sides have been trying to narrow down their differences regarding the price.
     
India and France close to wrapping up Rafale deal 640 001India and France are reportedly close to wrap up a US$8.8 bn deal for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft
(Credit: Dassault Aviation)
     
Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, had a strong stance during the negotiations. Besides pricing issues, the two sides have been discussing those pertaining the integration of specific weapons and of an Israeli-made helmet among others.

Eventually, the two sides agreed to move forward at a price of around USD8.8 billion and a 50% in offsets for the Indian defence industries. According to NDTV, the offsets will be invested in research and production of micro-electronics, avionics, stealth capabilities and radar technologies.

A French delegation is expected in India in early May to finalize the agreement if everything goes according to schedule. The Indian Government will try to push for further reductions in the final price of the contract, which would probably be signed by the end of May.

 

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