'Gamechanger': France carries out Rafale sortie with Meteor war-grade missiles

Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said on Thursday that his company was open to provide more Rafale fighter jets and was keen for a 'repeat order'&nbsp;

"If the Indian Air Force would like to acquire more Rafale aircraft, we will be happy to make a new proposal or make repeat order," he said. He was quoted by ANI.

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If the Indian Air Force would like to acquire more Rafale aircraft, we will be happy to make a new proposal or make repeat order: Eric Trappier, CEO, Dassault Aviation <a href="https://t.co/adKziF5Op5">pic.twitter.com/adKziF5Op5</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1303960054224375809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore.

Five Rafale fighter jets, first to arrive in India as part of the deal between India and France, were inducted in Indian Air Force on Thursday (September 10). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly were present at the induction ceremony. A 'Sarva Dharma Puja' was carried out at Ambala airbase as part of the induction of the fighter jets

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier's comments on company being keen on a repeat order of Rafale fighter jets came after the ceremony.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/big-stern-message-for-those-eyeing-our-sovereignty-rajnath-singh-hail-induction-of-rafale-jets-326501">Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets</a>

Rajnath Singh had strong words for those "eyeing soverignty" of India

"Rafale induction is a big and stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty, said the Defence Minister adding that this induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere created at our borders." he said during the induction ceremony at Ambala airbase.

Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said on Thursday that his company was open to provide more Rafale fighter jets and was keen for a 'repeat order' "If the Indian Air Force would like to acquire more Rafale aircraft, we will be happy to make a new proposal or make repeat order," he said.

Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said on Thursday that his company was open to provide more Rafale fighter jets and was keen for a 'repeat order' "If the Indian Air Force would like to acquire more Rafale aircraft, we will be happy to make a new proposal or make repeat order," he said. He was quoted by ANI. If the Indian Air Force would like to acquire more Rafale aircraft, we will be happy to make a new proposal or make repeat order: Eric Trappier, CEO, Dassault Aviation pic.twitter.com/adKziF5Op5 — ANI (@ANI) September 10, 2020 × The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. Five Rafale fighter jets, first to arrive in India as part of the deal between India and France, were inducted in Indian Air Force on Thursday (September 10). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly were present at the induction ceremony. A 'Sarva Dharma Puja' was carried out at Ambala airbase as part of the induction of the fighter jets Dassault CEO Eric Trappier's comments on company being keen on a repeat order of Rafale fighter jets came after the ceremony. Also Read: Big, stern message for those eyeing our sovereignty: Rajnath Singh hail induction of Rafale jets Rajnath Singh had strong words for those "eyeing soverignty" of India "Rafale induction is a big and stern message for the entire world, especially to those eyeing our sovereignty, said the Defence Minister adding that this induction is important considering the kind of atmosphere created at our borders." he said during the induction ceremony at Ambala airbase.

Dassault Aviation CEO keen for 'repeat order' of Rafale jets

The first batch of five Rafale jets flew out of France's Merignac airbase today and will arrive in India on Wednesday, July 29. The aircraft has been developed by France's aviation firm Dassault and equipped with modern radar technology to tackle modern air combat.

First batch of Rafales jets fly out of France from Merignac airbase

Even the fire-fighting plane dropping water over Le Bourget airport didn't succeed in bringing down the heat over the Paris Airshow as it opened on Monday. Air displays are the central point of the week-long expo, the world's largest of its kind, which transforms Paris into a global aviation capital every two years. The piercing roar of French plane-maker Dassault's Rafale fighter jet is what everyone wants to see. Used by the French army and navy, the 28-year-old aircraft is still impressive by its sheer power.

Day 1 of Paris Air Show: Aircraft Soar Through The Skies

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.&nbsp;

In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26&nbsp;"to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi."

The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi."

The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal.&nbsp;

The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences."

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Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes."

The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale.&nbsp;

The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries.&nbsp;

The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company.

In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-i-dont-lie-we-chose-ambani-by-ourselves-says-dassault-ceo-trappier-177000">We chose Ambani by ourselves</a>. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance." 
&nbsp;

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office.

A French NGO called Sherpa has sought a clarification over the sale of 36 Rafale fighter jets to India and has filed a complaint with France's Financial Prosecutor's Office. In a press release, published on its Facebook account, the NGO states that the complaint was filed on October 26 "to clarify under which conditions 36 fighter aircraft produced by Dassault Aviation were sold to India in 2016 and the choice of its Indian partner, Reliance, a group led by a close partner of the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi." The complaint closely follows another complaint "lodged on the 4th of October 2018 by a former Indian Minister and an anti-corruption lawyer with the Central Bureau of Investigation in New Delhi." The NGO, in its statement, informed that the complaint filed by the Indian minister was lodged against PM Modi for "abuse of authority" and " grant of undue advantages " in connection with the Rafale deal. The release concluded by stating that the NGO expects the French Public Prosecutor's Office to "promptly investigate the seriousness of the facts and the presumptions on the reported offences." × Sherpa, an NGO based in France, describes itself as an organisation with the "mission to protect and defend victims of economic crimes drawing on the power of the law and to fight against the new forms of impunity linked to globalization." It calls its motive to fight "economic crimes." The Opposition has accused the Narendra Modi-led government of corruption in the Rafale deal, alleging that the NDA government is paying three times as much as the UPA government had agreed to pay for every Rafale. The original Indian partner in the Rafale deal was the public sector HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd). But HAL was turfed out of the new deal, in favour of Anil Ambani's Reliance Defence which has little to no experience in the defence and aerospace industries. The government had earlier said it was Dassault which chose Reliance and they had nothing to do with it. The Rafale deal row escalated when former French President Francois Hollande, while on a trip to India, said it was the Indian government which had suggested Reliance's name and that France had no role in the selection of Anil Ambani's company. In an interview with news agency ANI, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance."

French NGO files complaint, seeks clarification on terms of Rafale deal 

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said India cannot put pressure on French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation to share details of offset partners related to the Rafale deal just because the Opposition wanted to know the same.&nbsp;

Dassault, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the Rafale fighter jet deal, is obliged to share details of the offset partners under contract with India, but has a year's time to do so, she said.

"Just because my Opposition wanted to know it (offset partner details) yesterday, I cannot put pressure on my OEM saying the Opposition wants it now, give it now.

"By rule, they can tell me even next year," the minister said at the annual ET Awards in Mumbai.

"I am waiting for it. Once I come to know, I will tell you. Before that, why should I speculate based on news reports?" she said.&nbsp;

Sitharaman explained that as part of the Rs 58,000 crore deal, the French firm has to give details of the offsets of over 30 per cent of the total contract value, and the Indian government has the right to know the same before giving it the required credits for the same.

She said the Congress, which had alleged a scam in the deal, was moving from one point to another after being unable to prove anything and hoping that something would stick to the BJP-led government.

The Congress first alleged the deal was signed to benefit an offset partner with a malafide intention and is now questioning the "haste" shown by the prime minister in concluding the contract, the BJP leader said.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the Rafale deal to save "debt-ridden" Reliance group chairman Anil Ambani's business.

The Centre and the Reliance group have repeatedly denied any irregularities or favouritism in the deal, under which the country is buying 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition.

Last week, the Centre told the Supreme Court that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the OEM was free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing the offset obligation in the deal.

"There isn't anything wrong with the procedure, with the methodology, with the price, with the technical details, with the list of ammunition...So they (Congress) do not know how far they have to go on with it hoping that something will stick on to us," the defence minister said.

Sitharaman asserted that the Rafale controversy will not be able to blemish the Centre's record on corruption and added that it had achieved feats like making defence acquisitions middlemen-free.

"For a party which has never had that kind of approach for governance with transparency, they think they probably will definitely be lucky to get something sticking on to us," she said in an apparent dig at the Congress.&nbsp;

The minister also said that her ministry had been able to increase the 'Make in India' component for purchases.

She said a proposal was on the anvil to induct women into institutions like the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, but it will take long for posting women in border areas.&nbsp;

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said India cannot put pressure on French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation to share details of offset partners related to the Rafale deal just because the Opposition wanted to know the same.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Saturday said India cannot put pressure on French aircraft maker Dassault Aviation to share details of offset partners related to the Rafale deal just because the Opposition wanted to know the same. Dassault, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the Rafale fighter jet deal, is obliged to share details of the offset partners under contract with India, but has a year's time to do so, she said. "Just because my Opposition wanted to know it (offset partner details) yesterday, I cannot put pressure on my OEM saying the Opposition wants it now, give it now. "By rule, they can tell me even next year," the minister said at the annual ET Awards in Mumbai. "I am waiting for it. Once I come to know, I will tell you. Before that, why should I speculate based on news reports?" she said. Sitharaman explained that as part of the Rs 58,000 crore deal, the French firm has to give details of the offsets of over 30 per cent of the total contract value, and the Indian government has the right to know the same before giving it the required credits for the same. She said the Congress, which had alleged a scam in the deal, was moving from one point to another after being unable to prove anything and hoping that something would stick to the BJP-led government. The Congress first alleged the deal was signed to benefit an offset partner with a malafide intention and is now questioning the "haste" shown by the prime minister in concluding the contract, the BJP leader said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi has claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi influenced the Rafale deal to save "debt-ridden" Reliance group chairman Anil Ambani's business. The Centre and the Reliance group have repeatedly denied any irregularities or favouritism in the deal, under which the country is buying 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition. Last week, the Centre told the Supreme Court that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the OEM was free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing the offset obligation in the deal. "There isn't anything wrong with the procedure, with the methodology, with the price, with the technical details, with the list of ammunition...So they (Congress) do not know how far they have to go on with it hoping that something will stick on to us," the defence minister said. Sitharaman asserted that the Rafale controversy will not be able to blemish the Centre's record on corruption and added that it had achieved feats like making defence acquisitions middlemen-free. "For a party which has never had that kind of approach for governance with transparency, they think they probably will definitely be lucky to get something sticking on to us," she said in an apparent dig at the Congress. The minister also said that her ministry had been able to increase the 'Make in India' component for purchases. She said a proposal was on the anvil to induct women into institutions like the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, but it will take long for posting women in border areas.

Can't pressure Dassault to share offset partner details: Nirmala Sitharaman

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier responds to Rahul Gandhi on Dassault-Reliance joint venture

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rafale-deal-i-dont-lie-we-chose-ambani-by-ourselves-says-dassault-ceo-trappier-177000">Eric Trappier</a>, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam."

Eric Trappier in an interview with news agency ANI on Tuesday dismissed Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that he had lied about the details of the Dassault- Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale fighter jet deal.&nbsp;

As a reaction to the interview Surjewala took to twitter and posted "The first rule of Law - Mutual Beneficiaries and co-accused's statements hold no value. Second Rule: Beneficiaries and Accused can't be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out."

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‘Dictated Interviews’ &amp; ‘Manufactured Lies’ can not suppress the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> Scam! 
 
First rule of Law- 
Mutual Beneficiaries &amp; Co-accused’s statements hold no value. 
 
Second Rule:-Beneficiaries &amp; Accused can’t be Judge in their own case. 
 
Truth has a way of coming out. <a href="https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q">https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1062224546256760832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He also called the interview "a fixed match between BJP Govt &amp; Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi &amp; Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rafale?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rafale</a> Scam! 
 
Nation doesn’t need ‘doctored explanations’ but ‘fair investigation’! 
 
Fixed match between BJP Govt &amp; Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi &amp; Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption. 
 
Our Statement-: <a href="https://t.co/P4xAGiUj7z">pic.twitter.com/P4xAGiUj7z</a>
— Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) <a href="https://twitter.com/rssurjewala/status/1062244158566481920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the interview, Trappier told ANI,&nbsp;"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying".

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala on Tuesday hit out at Dassault Aviation Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eric Trappier, terming his interview with news agency ANI as "dictated" and said, "Manufactured lies can not suppress the Rafale scam." Eric Trappier in an interview with news agency ANI on Tuesday dismissed Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s allegations that he had lied about the details of the Dassault- Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale fighter jet deal. As a reaction to the interview Surjewala took to twitter and posted "The first rule of Law - Mutual Beneficiaries and co-accused's statements hold no value. Second Rule: Beneficiaries and Accused can't be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out." ‘Dictated Interviews’ & ‘Manufactured Lies’ can not suppress the #Rafale Scam! First rule of Law- Mutual Beneficiaries & Co-accused’s statements hold no value. Second Rule:-Beneficiaries & Accused can’t be Judge in their own case. Truth has a way of coming out. https://t.co/rRoGlKNl6q — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 13, 2018 × He also called the interview "a fixed match between BJP Govt & Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi & Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption." #Rafale Scam! Nation doesn’t need ‘doctored explanations’ but ‘fair investigation’! Fixed match between BJP Govt & Dassault and PR Stunts of PM Modi & Eric Trappier can’t hide the blatant corruption. Our Statement-: pic.twitter.com/P4xAGiUj7z — Randeep Singh Surjewala (@rssurjewala) November 13, 2018 × During the interview, Trappier told ANI, "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying".

‘Dictated interviews’ cannot suppress the Rafale scam: Congress hits back at Dassault CEO

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-is-confused-man-on-rafale-says-nirmala-sitharaman-175207">said that the company chose</a> Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance.

"I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dictated-interviews-and-manufactured-lies-cannot-suppress-the-rafale-scam-congress-hits-back-at-dassault-ceo-177048">respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge</a> that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group.

"In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added.

The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process".

The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013.

"We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government."

"The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said.

"We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies&nbsp;which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40,"&nbsp;he informed.

The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore.

"As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court.

It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation".

"We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said.

"We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal.

INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft.

The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary &amp; Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary &amp; Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side.

The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said. 
&nbsp;

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has rubbished allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that the former lied about the details of the Dassault-Reliance Joint Venture (JV) for offset contracts in the Rafale Jet deal. Tappier said that the company chose Ambani and it has 30 partners other than Reliance. "I don't lie. The truth I declared before and the statements I made are true. I don't have a reputation of lying," Trappier said during an interview with newswire ANI when asked to respond to Rahul Gandhi's charge that Dassault was covering up for possible cronyism in awarding the offset deal to Anil Ambani-led Reliance Group. "In my position as CEO, you don't lie," the Dassault CEO added. The government on Monday had submitted documents related to the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault while emphasising that it had followed the "due process". The pricing documents were submitted in a sealed cover. The government informed the court that it followed the process as laid down by the previous UPA government in 2013. "We have long experience with Congress," he said, adding, "our first deal was with India in 1953 was during Nehru, later other PMs. We are not working for any party, we are supplying strategic products to the Indian Air Force and the Indian government." "The first delivery of Rafale to the IAF is going to take place next year in September as per the contract. It is totally in time, Trappier said. "We have seven years to perform our offset. During the first three years, we are not obliged to say with who we are working. Already settled agreement with 30 companies which represents 40% of total offset obligation as per contract. Reliance is 10% out of the 40," he informed. The document submitted in court by the government addressed allegations made by Congress president Rahul Gandhi that PM Modi forced the French company Dassault Aviation to select a Reliance group firm of Anil Ambani as an offset partner to help it "pocket" Rs 30,000 crore. "As per available information, our adversaries inducted more than 400 fighters (equivalent to more than 20 Squadrons) during the period from 2010 to 2015. They not only inducted 4th Generation Aircraft but also inducted 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Aircraft," the government told the top court. It stated that as per the Defence Offset Guidelines, the vendor is "free to select its Indian Offset Partners (IOPs) for implementing offset obligation". "We chose Ambani by ourselves. We already have 30 partners other than Reliance. The IAF is supporting the deal because they need the fighter jets for their own defence to be at the top," Dassault CEO Trappier said. "We are not putting the money in Reliance. The money is going into the JV (Dassault-Reliance). Engineers and workers from Dassault are taking the lead as far as the industrial part of the deal is concerned," Trappier added. The Centre told the Supreme Court that 74 meetings of the Indian Negotiating Team (INT) took place, including 26 with the French side, from May 2015 to April 2016 on the Rafale deal. INT was constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft. The INT was headed by the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) of IAF and comprised of the Joint Secretary & Acquisition Manager (Air); Joint Secretary (Defence Offset Management Wing); Joint Secretary & Additional Financial Advisor; Finance Manager (Air); Advisor (Cost) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Plans) as members from Indian Government side. The French side was headed by the Director General of Armament (DGA), Ministry of Defense, Government of France, it said.

Rafale deal: We chose Ambani ourselves, not putting the money in Reliance, says Dassault CEO Trappier

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.&nbsp;

"We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP.

Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani.

Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory".

"We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said.

"And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said.

"It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said.

In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets.

"Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying.

"In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying.

He said what is called "offset"&nbsp;in English is usually translated into French as "compensation"&nbsp;or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset"&nbsp;or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said.

Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India.

But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France.&nbsp;

Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer.&nbsp;

"Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dassault on Wednesday said it had "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/freely-chose-reliance-for-rafale-deal-dassault-aviation-issues-clarification-170776">freely chosen</a>" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed.

Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties.

Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said.

Dassault Aviation's joint venture with Reliance represents around 10 per cent of the offset investments under the Rafale jet deal, Dassault CEO Eric Trappier has said. "We're in talks with about 100 Indian firms, including around 30 with which we've already confirmed partnerships," Trappier told AFP. Separately on Thursday, speaking at a briefing in Paris, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reiterated the government's claim that it had no idea that Dassault Aviation would team up with Reliance Group, run by Anil Ambani. Several reports say Dassault was forced to choose Reliance by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, despite its having almost no experience in the aviation sector. On the eve of Sitharaman's visit, French investigative website Mediapart quoted the notes of a meeting between Dassault management and workers' representatives which described the choice of Reliance as "imperative and compulsory". "We are very clear: With the government of France, we agreed to purchase 36 Rafale aircraft in flyaway condition," Sitharaman said. "And in an intergovernmental agreement, there are no mentions of any individual firms," she said. "It is more for the companies which have chosen A, B or C as their partners to answer questions if there are any," she said. In a statement, Dassault released a transcript of what it said was Trappier's interview with AFP in which he was asked about the status of the offsets. "Signing an offset contract is a requirement of Indian law (Defence Procurement Procedure). The implementation of offsets is an obligation and, under the Indian regulation, the choice of the partners belongs to us, Trappier was quoted as saying. "In full compliance with this regulation, Dassault Aviation therefore decided to set up the DRAL joint venture with Reliance and build a plant in Nagpur, which should enable us to meet about 10% of these offset obligations. We are in negotiations with about a hundred Indian companies and partnerships have already been concluded with about thirty of them," he was quoted as saying. He said what is called "offset" in English is usually translated into French as "compensation" or "contrepartie". With regard to the staff and trades unions organizations, Dassault Aviation uses the term "obligation contractuelle d'offset" or "obligation contractuelle de compensation", he said. Dassault negotiated for years with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the order, with the jets being jointly built in India. But those talks were cancelled after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, when he decided to purchase the jets directly from France. Asked why Dassault chose Reliance over HAL as its partner, Trappier said Dassault Aviation decided to establish a long-term presence in India through DRAL, a joint enterprise in which governance is provided by an Indian Chief Executive Officer and a French Chief Operating Officer. "Dassault Aviation therefore exercises technical and industrial control over the operations, applying its standards and its flexibility. This JV will produce parts for the Falcon 2000 and Rafale. The choice of the Nagpur site, in central India, was dictated by the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, he was quoted as saying. Dassault on Wednesday said it had "freely chosen" to form a joint venture with Reliance. But that stance was contradicted recently by former French president Francois Hollande, under whose watch the Rafale deal was signed. Hollande said last month that France had "no choice" but to join with Reliance after it was pushed by the Indian government -- comments which were seized upon by Indian opposition parties. Under Indian defence procurement rules, foreign companies winning contracts must "offset" or reinvest half the total value -- in this case around eight billion euros -- in joint ventures or purchases with Indian firms.

Reliance has 10 per cent of offset in Rafael deal: Dassault CEO

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations.

It further clarified that although the Rafale deal was a contract between the Indian and the French governments, it provided for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation committed to making compensation investments (offsets) in India equivalent to 50 per cent of the value of the purchase.

"This offsets contract is delivered in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. In this framework, and in accordance with the policy of Make in India, Dassault Aviation has decided to make a partnership with India's Reliance Group. This is Dassault Aviation's choice, as CEO Eric Trappier had explained in an interview published in MINT newspaper on April 17, 2018. This partnership has led to the creation of the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) joint-venture in February 2017," the company stated.

"Dassault Aviation and Reliance have built a plant in Nagpur for manufacturing parts for Falcon and Rafale aircraft. The Nagpur site was chosen because of the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, an essential condition of aeronautic activities," it added.

The French aviation company also said that contracts were signed with companies other than Reliance as well, as part of the offsets contract under the Rafale deal.

"Other partnerships have been signed with other companies such as BTSL, DEFSYS, Kinetic, Mahindra, Maini, SAMTEL,. Other negotiations are ongoing with hundred-odd other potential partners," the firm divulged.

The statement by Dassault Aviation comes shortly after former French president, François Hollande, claimed that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

The Centre, led by Prime Minister Modi, scrapped the UPA's plan in 2015 and announced that it would buy 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale jets instead of seeking a technology transfer from France's Dassault Aviation and making the aircraft in India.

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations.

Confirming India's stand on the offsets agreement between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Group, the former, in a statement, reiterated that Reliance Group was chosen in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. It further clarified that although the Rafale deal was a contract between the Indian and the French governments, it provided for a separate contract in which Dassault Aviation committed to making compensation investments (offsets) in India equivalent to 50 per cent of the value of the purchase. "This offsets contract is delivered in compliance with the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) 2016 regulations. In this framework, and in accordance with the policy of Make in India, Dassault Aviation has decided to make a partnership with India's Reliance Group. This is Dassault Aviation's choice, as CEO Eric Trappier had explained in an interview published in MINT newspaper on April 17, 2018. This partnership has led to the creation of the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) joint-venture in February 2017," the company stated. "Dassault Aviation and Reliance have built a plant in Nagpur for manufacturing parts for Falcon and Rafale aircraft. The Nagpur site was chosen because of the availability of land with direct access to an airport runway, an essential condition of aeronautic activities," it added. The French aviation company also said that contracts were signed with companies other than Reliance as well, as part of the offsets contract under the Rafale deal. "Other partnerships have been signed with other companies such as BTSL, DEFSYS, Kinetic, Mahindra, Maini, SAMTEL,. Other negotiations are ongoing with hundred-odd other potential partners," the firm divulged. The statement by Dassault Aviation comes shortly after former French president, François Hollande, claimed that Dassault Aviation was given no choice but to partner with Anil Ambani-led Reliance Defence for the offset clause in the Rafale fighter jet deal. The Centre, led by Prime Minister Modi, scrapped the UPA's plan in 2015 and announced that it would buy 36 "ready-to-fly" Rafale jets instead of seeking a technology transfer from France's Dassault Aviation and making the aircraft in India.

Deal with Reliance was Dassault Aviation's choice: Report

Disagreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aviation led to the collapse of negotiations between the two in the Rafale fighter plane deal during the UPA term.

According to Defence sources, HAL in a letter to Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2012 mentioned the differences with Dassault pertaining to work share.

In July 2014, HAL in a subsequent letter to MoD also highlighted one major unresolved issue regarding responsibility sharing between Dassault and HAL for license manufacture of aircraft. Besides, the man hours required for the manufacture of various components of the aircraft in HAL was also a point of disagreement between the two.

"Due to all these reasons the proposals for 126 MMRCA could not progress further," sources said. 
 
According to a media report, T. Suvarna Raju, former chairman and managaing director (CMD), claimed that Dassault and HAL had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government. He further said that the life-cycle costs of the aircraft would have been cheaper if the aircraft were made in India.

Responding to this, sources said that since the workshare between Dassault and HAL was never agreed upon, reports claiming the lower life-cycle cost of the planes, was completely "presumptive" and termed the media report based on HAL ex-CMD statement as "factually incorrect".

The opposition parties have been blaming NDA Government for not taking on board HAL in the Rafale deal and questioned Dassault's tie-up with Reliance Group under the off-set clause.&nbsp;

Disagreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aviation led to the collapse of negotiations between the two in the Rafale fighter plane deal during the UPA term.

Disagreements between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Dassault Aviation led to the collapse of negotiations between the two in the Rafale fighter plane deal during the UPA term. According to Defence sources, HAL in a letter to Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2012 mentioned the differences with Dassault pertaining to work share. In July 2014, HAL in a subsequent letter to MoD also highlighted one major unresolved issue regarding responsibility sharing between Dassault and HAL for license manufacture of aircraft. Besides, the man hours required for the manufacture of various components of the aircraft in HAL was also a point of disagreement between the two. "Due to all these reasons the proposals for 126 MMRCA could not progress further," sources said. According to a media report, T. Suvarna Raju, former chairman and managaing director (CMD), claimed that Dassault and HAL had signed the mutual workshare contract and given it to the government. He further said that the life-cycle costs of the aircraft would have been cheaper if the aircraft were made in India. Responding to this, sources said that since the workshare between Dassault and HAL was never agreed upon, reports claiming the lower life-cycle cost of the planes, was completely "presumptive" and termed the media report based on HAL ex-CMD statement as "factually incorrect". The opposition parties have been blaming NDA Government for not taking on board HAL in the Rafale deal and questioned Dassault's tie-up with Reliance Group under the off-set clause.

Rafale deal: Differences between HAL, Dassault led to collapse of talks, say report

Airbus and Dassault Aviation have signed an initial agreement to cooperate on Europe's Future Air Combat System (FCAS), the two companies said on Wednesday.

They are awaiting details from the French and German governments on the exact requirements for the programme, which is set to include a fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles, connectivity and secure communications.

"It's a really important moment to stabilise the European defence industry and work together in a structured manner," Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke told reporters at the Berlin air show.

Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, and officials from the two countries will sign an outline document on the sidelines of the show, military sources said on Tuesday.

The two companies want to ensure that Europe retains control over its future weapons systems, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation said.

"I don't feel that if other European countries buy off the shelf American products that you contribute to strategic autonomy," Trappier said.

Whether the French and German governments decide to involve Britain in future projects would likely depend on the conditions around its exit from the European Union, Hoke said.

France is working with Britain on an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, but that project has not yet progressed as expected.

"It was supposed to go up to the extent of joint demonstrator. For some reason this has not yet been decided," Trappier said.

He said the Franco-German cooperation was different, with it being for a larger system for a manned fighter, whereas the Franco-British project was for an unmanned aircraft.

The two companies have not yet announced who will lead the partnership for the Franco-German FCAS. Trappier said they would each decide who had the best skills and competencies to lead each part of the system.

"The role on both sides is to find the right compromises. If we play egos we will end up with a project that won't be successful," Hoke said.

Airbus and Dassault said it was important for France and Germany to launch an initial joint study this year so they could get demonstrators done for 2025.

The fighter aircraft will replace the current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale aircraft.

Trappier said it would not be a copy of the US&nbspF-35 fighter, but would be more ambitious.

Hoke said if Germany decided to buy the F-35 to replace its Tornados, that would mean the FCAS would no longer be feasible.

Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040

Airbus and Dassault Aviation have signed an initial agreement to cooperate on Europe's Future Air Combat System (FCAS), the two companies said on Wednesday. They are awaiting details from the French and German governments on the exact requirements for the programme, which is set to include a fighter jet, unmanned aerial vehicles, connectivity and secure communications. "It's a really important moment to stabilise the European defence industry and work together in a structured manner," Airbus Defence and Space CEO Dirk Hoke told reporters at the Berlin air show. Germany and France have agreed on the central requirements for a new fighter jet to replace Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale warplanes beginning in 2040, and officials from the two countries will sign an outline document on the sidelines of the show, military sources said on Tuesday. The two companies want to ensure that Europe retains control over its future weapons systems, Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation said. "I don't feel that if other European countries buy off the shelf American products that you contribute to strategic autonomy," Trappier said. Whether the French and German governments decide to involve Britain in future projects would likely depend on the conditions around its exit from the European Union, Hoke said. France is working with Britain on an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, but that project has not yet progressed as expected. "It was supposed to go up to the extent of joint demonstrator. For some reason this has not yet been decided," Trappier said. He said the Franco-German cooperation was different, with it being for a larger system for a manned fighter, whereas the Franco-British project was for an unmanned aircraft. The two companies have not yet announced who will lead the partnership for the Franco-German FCAS. Trappier said they would each decide who had the best skills and competencies to lead each part of the system. "The role on both sides is to find the right compromises. If we play egos we will end up with a project that won't be successful," Hoke said. Airbus and Dassault said it was important for France and Germany to launch an initial joint study this year so they could get demonstrators done for 2025. The fighter aircraft will replace the current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale aircraft. Trappier said it would not be a copy of the US&nbspF-35 fighter, but would be more ambitious. Hoke said if Germany decided to buy the F-35 to replace its Tornados, that would mean the FCAS would no longer be feasible.

Airbus, Dassault to jointly produce fighter jets, UAVs

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday once again attacked the Modi government over Rafale plane deal.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi's tweet comes days after Congress targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it was turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean.

The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone.

The party used the annual report of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to claim that the deal inked by Prime Minister Modi caused a loss of Rs 12,632 crore to the national exchequer.&nbsp;

According to the report, Dassault sold 36 Rafale jets to India at £7.5 billion in 2016, while 48 jets were sold to Qatar and Egypt at £7.9 billion in 2015. This amounted to Rs 1,670.7 crore per aircraft for India and Rs 1,319.8 crore to Qatar and Egypt.

The Congress also stressed that the current government's purchase price was much higher than the Rs 526 crore bid by the UPA regime.

Rahul Gandhi's tweet comes days after Congress targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it was turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday once again attacked the Modi government over Rafale plane deal. Rahul Gandhi's tweet comes days after Congress targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it was turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean. The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone. The party used the annual report of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to claim that the deal inked by Prime Minister Modi caused a loss of Rs 12,632 crore to the national exchequer. According to the report, Dassault sold 36 Rafale jets to India at £7.5 billion in 2016, while 48 jets were sold to Qatar and Egypt at £7.9 billion in 2015. This amounted to Rs 1,670.7 crore per aircraft for India and Rs 1,319.8 crore to Qatar and Egypt. The Congress also stressed that the current government's purchase price was much higher than the Rs 526 crore bid by the UPA regime.

Rafale deal: Dassault called government's lie, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday once again attacked the Modi government over Rafale plane deal.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dassault called RM&#39;s lie and released prices paid per RAFALE plane in report: 
 
Qatar = 1319 Cr 
MODI = 1670 Cr 
MMS = 570 Cr 
 
1100 Cr per plane or 36,000 Cr i.e 10 % of our Defence budget, in the pocket. 
 
Meanwhile, our Army begs our Govt. for money. <a href="https://t.co/fE5tj4IaeN">pic.twitter.com/fE5tj4IaeN</a>
&mdash; Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficeOfRG/status/974611317960175616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Rahul Gandhi&#39;s tweet comes days after Congress targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it was turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean.

The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone.

The party used the annual report of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to claim that the deal inked by Prime Minister Modi caused a loss of Rs 12,632 crore to the national exchequer.&nbsp;

According to the report, Dassault sold 36 Rafale jets to India at &pound;7.5 billion in 2016, while 48 jets were sold to Qatar and Egypt at &pound;7.9 billion in 2015. This amounted to Rs 1,670.7 crore per aircraft for India and Rs 1,319.8 crore to Qatar and Egypt.

The Congress also stressed that the current government&#39;s purchase price was much higher than the Rs 526 crore bid by the UPA regime.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday once again attacked the Modi government over Rafale plane deal. Dassault called RM's lie and released prices paid per RAFALE plane in report: Qatar = 1319 Cr MODI = 1670 Cr MMS = 570 Cr 1100 Cr per plane or 36,000 Cr i.e 10 % of our Defence budget, in the pocket. Meanwhile, our Army begs our Govt. for money. pic.twitter.com/fE5tj4IaeN — Office of RG (@OfficeOfRG) March 16, 2018 × Rahul Gandhi's tweet comes days after Congress targeted the NDA government over the Rafale deal, alleging that it was turning out to be a mother scam, and asked the government to come clean. The grand-old-party spokesperson Tom Vadakkan said the over price India had paid to France for the purchase of the fighter aircraft compared to other countries including Egypt and Qatar was not some charity and the Modi government should answer as to where the money had gone. The party used the annual report of Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale fighter jets, to claim that the deal inked by Prime Minister Modi caused a loss of Rs 12,632 crore to the national exchequer. According to the report, Dassault sold 36 Rafale jets to India at £7.5 billion in 2016, while 48 jets were sold to Qatar and Egypt at £7.9 billion in 2015. This amounted to Rs 1,670.7 crore per aircraft for India and Rs 1,319.8 crore to Qatar and Egypt. The Congress also stressed that the current government's purchase price was much higher than the Rs 526 crore bid by the UPA regime.

India is all set to finalise the deal to buy 36 fighter jets from France, a defence ministry official said on Thursday. 
 
The cabinet will meet next week to agree upon a price, Reuters reported. 
 
Indian had agreed to pay 7.87 billion euros (USD 8.84 billion) for the Dassault Aviation jets and is likely to sign the deal on September 23, according to the Reuters report. 
 
The two sides have been involved in extensive talks over the price and other terms of the deal. 
 
&quot;We expect to sign the deal once the cabinet approves,&quot; a defence ministry official told Reuters. 
 
France President Francois Hollande and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened in the procurement for the Rafale jets in 2015, initiating government-to-government talks after several years of commercial negotiations with Dassault had failed. 
 
The leaders modified the original plan to buy 126 Rafale planes and have now agreed to buy 36 in fly-away condition to meet the Indian Air Force&#39;s urgent needs. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Government-to-government talks began over the Rafale jets last year after years of commercial negotiations with Dassault failed

India is all set to finalise the deal to buy 36 fighter jets from France, a defence ministry official said on Thursday. The cabinet will meet next week to agree upon a price, Reuters reported. Indian had agreed to pay 7.87 billion euros (USD 8.84 billion) for the Dassault Aviation jets and is likely to sign the deal on September 23, according to the Reuters report. The two sides have been involved in extensive talks over the price and other terms of the deal. "We expect to sign the deal once the cabinet approves," a defence ministry official told Reuters. France President Francois Hollande and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened in the procurement for the Rafale jets in 2015, initiating government-to-government talks after several years of commercial negotiations with Dassault had failed. The leaders modified the original plan to buy 126 Rafale planes and have now agreed to buy 36 in fly-away condition to meet the Indian Air Force's urgent needs. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

India close to signing Rafale jet deal with France

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