New Delhi: Defense cooperation between India and France is likely to get new strength. With the aim of promoting the ‘Make in India’ campaign and taking forward the strategic partnership, France has shown a positive attitude on the transfer of important technologies related to Rafale fighter aircraft and integration of Indian weapon systems into these aircraft. It is believed that this step will take the defense relations between the two countries to a new level.
PM Modi will visit France
This development has come to light at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to visit France soon. Defense cooperation, technical partnership and security related issues may remain the major topics of discussion during his visit. Along with participating in international programs to be held in France, the Prime Minister will also hold bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron.
According to sources, under the proposed agreement, it has been agreed to approve Transfer of Technology (ToT) for Rafale fighter planes. Apart from this, the plan to integrate missiles, weapons and other military systems developed in India into Rafale aircraft will also be an important part of the agreement. France says that it sees India not just as a buyer of defense equipment, but as a long-term strategic partner.
Keeping in mind the requirements of the Indian Air Force, the process of purchasing 114 additional Rafale aircraft is also progressing. India has sent a formal request letter to France for this. According to the proposed plan, these aircraft can be manufactured in India in collaboration with French company Dassault Aviation and Indian partners, which will boost domestic defense manufacturing.
India set conditions
India has also kept some major conditions in this deal. These include integration of indigenous weapons, Indian data link system, digital networking capability and technical production at the local level. The proposed agreement may also include transfer of technologies related to aircraft structures, engines and avionics.
Discussion is also going on regarding new versions of Rafale. The Indian Air Force currently uses the F3R model, while India is interested in inducting the F4 and developing F5 versions in the future. These advanced aircraft will have state-of-the-art radar, electronic warfare systems, long-range missile capability, better communication technology and artificial intelligence based facilities, which will further strengthen their capability in the battlefield.
Experts believe that 55 to 60 percent indigenous participation can be achieved in this project. If this plan is successful, the Indian defense industry will get a big boost and the operational capability of the Air Force will also increase significantly. This deal, along with the already existing Rafale fleet and orders for the Navy, can prove to be an important step towards further strengthening India’s air power.
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