DN - Defence Notes
First Rafale handed over to Indian Air Force
The first Rafale aircraft has been handed over to the Indian Air Force by Dassault Aviation at the company’s final assembly facility in Mérignac, France.
India is set to receive 36 Rafale to equip the Indian Air Force under a contract signed in 2016.
In support of the programme a Dassault Reliance JV (DRAL) production facility has been set up in Nagpur, along with an engineering centre in Pune.
Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, said: ‘I am particularly honoured to host this ceremony today as India is part of Dassault Aviation’s DNA. The long and trustful relationship we share is an undeniable success and underpins my determination of establishing for the long-term Dassault Aviation in India.
‘We stand alongside the Indian Air Force since 1953, we are totally committed to fulfil its requirements for the decades to come and to be part of India’s ambitious vision for the future.’
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