New Delhi: French aviation major Dassault Aviation SA is in process to acquire land near Jewar International Airport to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for India’s Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters as told to Hindustan Times.
As per the sources, the step will pave the way for local manufacturing of the latest Rafale versions to fulfill the IAF’s long-term requirement of approximately 100 twin-engine multi-role fighters over the next two decades.
The report says, despite the political changes in France, the Emmanuel Macron government and Dassault Aviation have committed to manufacturing Rafale fighters in India under the "Make in India" initiative. This includes using locally sourced components to meet the IAF's demand. Additionally, engine maker Safran SA is planning an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad, expected to be operational by 2025. Safran has also indicated readiness to manufacture M-88 engines in India if there is a substantial order from the IAF.
IAF is already operating 36 Rafale fighters with Hammer and SCALP missiles with the Indian Navy currently involved in price negotiations for 26 Maritime Strike Rafales for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. India already has base maintenance depots, repairs, training and simulators for Rafales in its Ambala air base.
Given the gestation period for fighters and engines is over decades, the Modi government has also taken reassurance from France’s stable licensing policy which will ensure there is no hiccup – like Russia, France has been supplying aircraft to India since the Toofani fighter in 1953.
The people added that Safran is also ready for a joint venture with an Indian company for manufacture of engines for Indian Multi-Role Helicopters (IMRH) so that India does not have to look for a third country for urgent supplies.
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