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.’
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend]()
France unveils new strategic review as Macron vows to accelerate defence spend
The 2025 National Strategic Review highlights the importance of readiness against a growing Russian threat and was published days after a speech from the French President Macron who called for an increase in defence spending worth €6.5 billion by 2027.
-
![Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue]()
Europe turns to industrial and procurement co-operation with Ukraine as supplies continue
Equipment has continued to flow into Ukraine from the European Union (EU), NATO and western countries as the war against Russia continues but other types of support with longer-term prospects are appearing.
-
![UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost]()
UK releases security strategy and plans for future defence spending boost
The UK’s National Security Strategy brings together the recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR), Strategic Security Review, AUKUS Review and Industrial and Trade Strategies. At the same time, the UK made a commitment to reach defence spending of 5% of GDP by 2035 and Germany committed to 3.5% by 2029.
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
