PM Modi confirms India ordering 36 Rafale fighters from France

Paris, April 10: India will be buying 36 Rafale jets from France. Prime Minister Nardendra Modi confirmed the decision during a joint statement in the company of French President Francois Hollande.

"We have asked the French government to supply 36 Rafale jets in fly-away conditions," Modi said in Paris.

These frontline fighter jets will boost the Indian Air Force's (IAF) efforts to strengthen its squadron.

Hollande said that France would fast-track the delivery of the jets, which the IAF is desperately looking for.

With this announcement, the much anticipated 126 MMRAC (Medium-Multi Role Combat Aircraft) process set in motion by the UPA government is virtually shelved.

It also comes as setback to Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), which expected to play a major role as per the earlier agreement.

Sources tell OneIndia that it would take at least over an year for the first Rafale to land in India, even if France speed-tracks the order.

While many would see this as a political decision, the coming days would give a clear picture on the possible follow-up on the much awaited deal.

Minutes after the PM announced the 36 Rafales for India, social media is abuzz with comments that "IAF needs more jets."

OneIndia News