Aircraft
More Rafales for India Still Likely
The new interest in foreign single-engined fighters does not preclude Indian production of the French jet.
The first 36 Rafales for India will be produced in France – but there may be more. (Photo: Dassault)
The first 36 Rafales for India will be produced in France – but there may be more. (Photo: Dassault)

Contrary to some previous indications, India is considering an additional 36 Dassault Rafales, a senior Ministry of Defence official said. The contract is likely to be signed in 2019 with deliveries to start by 2022, when the existing $8.8 billion order for 36 Rafales is completed, AIN has learned from sources close to the long-running procurement process. The two orders would add five squadrons of new fourth-generation fighters to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

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