Responding to India’s request to advance the delivery schedule of Rafale fighter jets, the manufacturer Dassault Aviation has stated that it was not possible as the jets have to be customised.
“We are discussing the issue with the IAF. There is a schedule in the contract. It is difficult to speed up production of a new aircraft. If it is matter of weeks, yes we can,” Eric Trappier, CEO of Dassault Aviation, told a select group of journalists at Aero India here on Wednesday.
India ordered 36 jets last year from France and deliveries are scheduled between 2019 and 2022.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar had earlier said that they would request France to speed up deliveries further if possible.
Greater tech transfer
Mr. Trappier observed that 36 jets was a small number to enable greater technology transfer, pitching for more Rafales for India to gain access to better technologies under the ‘Make in India’ drive.
“India has ordered 36. It is a good number, but it is not good enough for competitive technology transfer. So it will depend on the future,” he said.
Training for pilots
Mr. Parrikar had already reiterated that India did not intend to order any more Rafales. India-specific customisation was being currently undertaken, after which production would begin.
Under the terms of the contract, Dassault will begin training Indian pilots and technicians in operating the jets next year.
Dassault will also bid for the Navy’s tender for at least 57 carrier based aircraft.
Mr. Trappier said Rafale was the only aircraft which had both land-based and maritime variants.
