Rafale contract to conclude in next 4 weeks, says French firm

New Delhi

Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the aircraft welcomed the development, saying that the intergovernmental agreement had paved way for the conclusion of a contract for the sale of 36 Rafale fighters to India.

"Dassault Aviation is very pleased with this progress, and is actively supporting French authorities in their efforts to finalise a complete agreement within the next four weeks," the French firm said in an e-mailed statement from Saint-Cloud, France.

Both the sides could not agree on the financial aspects of the deal and settled for the MoU, which will lead to the complete agreement, including the price.

While expressing happiness over the signing of the IGA, Mr Modi and Mr Hollande both hoped that the financial issues relating to the deal would be resolved soon.
 
Addressing a joint media briefing after the agreement signing ceremony, that witnessed inking of 14 pacts, with the Rafale MoU being the last but not the least one, Mr Hollande said the financial issues relating to the purchase will be sorted out in "few days," while Mr Modi said these aspects will be resolved "soon".

Mr Modi had announced India's decision to purchase the Rafale fighter during his trip to France in April last year.

Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft, which is able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base.

The fully versatile Rafale is able to carry out all combat aviation missions: air defence, interception, ground support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.

The Egyptian Air Force received its first aircraft in 2015. Rafale has proven its worth in combat in Afghanistan, Libya, Mali, Iraq and Syria.