Aircraft
Dassault Still Hopeful For Full Indian Rafale Deal
Production is being adjusted to accommodate export orders from Egypt and Qatar; other sales prospects discussed.
A French Navy Rafale on a modification line at Bordeaux. Dassault is preparing to adjust the production rate at this site, once India confirms a contract for 36 aircraft to be built there. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)
A French Navy Rafale on a modification line at Bordeaux. Dassault is preparing to adjust the production rate at this site, once India confirms a contract for 36 aircraft to be built there. (Photo: Dassault Aviation)

Dassault Aviation remains “cautiously optimistic” that India will proceed with the full medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) requirement for 126 Rafales. So said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO, at the company’s media briefing ahead of the Paris Air Show today. A senior Indian defense official recently told local media that India would not proceed beyond the 36 aircraft that the country has agreed to take from the French production line.