French firm bags India's biggest defence deal of $10.4 bn

New Delhi, Jan 30: India's biggest defence deal has been awarded to the French aviation company Dassault Rafale on Tuesday according to sources. India contracted the $10.4 billion deal with the French company for supplying of combat aircrafts to Indian Air Force.

The tender for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (M-MRCA) was floated by Indian Defence Ministry last year, for which 6 major companies came forward to win the document tenders. However, eventually, two of six aviation firms were shortlisted and at last the deal was inked with Dassault Rafale. European Eurofighter was one among the finalists.

According to the tender, IAF shall procure 126 combat flights over the next ten years. However, only first 18 flights will be brought from Dassault Rafale's store and the rest 118 flights will be produced in collaboration with Indian aviation company.

OneIndia News