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As it prepares to induct a <keyword id="10112494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="second-batch-of-rafale-jets">second batch of Rafale jets</keyword>, the <keyword id="15141" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> has sent a team of officials to France to oversee the logistical issues and review the training of a hand-picked group of pilots at the Saint-Dizier air base there, officials said on Thursday. The second batch of four <keyword id="6381048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rafale">Rafale</keyword> jets is expected to arrive in India in the next four weeks. The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of these aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. Several teams from the IAF have visited France since January to oversee the progress of the Rafale project including integration of India-specific enhancements and weapons systems, the officials said. The IAF's Rafale project management team has an office in Paris headed by a Group Captain-rank officer. The team is tasked with overseeing the production timelines as well as coordinating training of the crew. A team of experts headed by assistant chief of air staff (projects) reached France earlier this week to coordinate logistical issues as well as training of pilots and technicians, said the officials. The first batch of Rafale jets was finally inducted into the IAF on September 10. Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on October 5 said the induction of all 36 Rafale jets will be completed by 2023. Ten Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far and five of them stayed back in France for imparting training to IAF pilots. Known for their air-superiority and precision strikes, the Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. The newly inducted fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh where Indian and Chinese troops are engaged in a bitter border row for over five months. A group of IAF pilots is currently undergoing training on Rafale jets at the Saint-Dizier airbase in eastern France. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/banks/news/pnb-yes-bank-central-bank-of-india-idbi-and-six-more-indian-banks-are-the-worst-performing-bank-stocks-in-asia-pacific/articleshow/78679569.cms">10 out of 15 worst-performing bank stocks in Asia-Pacific are Indian — PNB, YES Bank, Central Bank of India, IDBI among them</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/whatsapp-google-amazon-and-facebook-under-the-scanner-for-data-protection-violations-as-supreme-court-calls-on-rbi-and-npci-to-investigate/articleshow/78678174.cms">Whatsapp, Google, Amazon and Facebook under the scanner for data protection violations as Supreme Court calls on RBI and NPCI to investigate</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/chinese-president-xi-jinping-tells-marine-troops-to-be-on-high-alert-and-prepare-for-war/articleshow/78675715.cms">Chinese President Xi Jinping tells marine troops to be on ‘high alert’ and ‘prepare for war’ as tensions in the South China Sea continue to grow</a>

Indian Air Force to induct more Rafale fighter jets — team heads to France for preparations

<keyword id="3658" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="india" source="Orion">India</keyword> will receive its 36th and final Rafale fighter jet from France by December 15 completing the delivery of all the aircraft it had signed for in an over Rs 60,000 crore deal inked in 2016. "The last aircraft will arrive in India around December 15. The aircraft was used for developing the India-specific enhancements in the Rafale fleet of the <keyword id="15141" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="indian-air-force" source="Orion">Indian Air Force</keyword>," senior defence officials told ANI. India had signed a deal for 36 of these planes and 35 of them have already arrived and are stationed at Ambala, <keyword id="41646" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="haryana" source="Orion">Haryana</keyword> and Hashimara in West Bengal. The officials said the 36th aircraft with RB tail number has been provided to the Indian side by France with all its spares and other parts replaced as it was being used for developmental activities. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has also started upgrading the planes to the highest standards and has been equipped with all India-specific enhancements. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation aircraft and has helped India regain its supremacy over Indian sub-constituent skies with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles along with advanced radar and electronic warfare capabilities. The French firm <keyword id="230239" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="dassault-aviation" source="Orion">Dassault Aviation</keyword> is also involved in the maintenance of the aircraft whose serviceability is over 75 per cent. The Rafale was inducted swiftly into the Indian Air Force at the peak of the conflict with China and started operating over Ladakh within a week of its arrival in the country. The IAF also quickly fired and operationalized the long-range <keyword id="1565035" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="meteor" source="Orion">Meteor</keyword> air-to-air missiles as well as the <keyword id="55648" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="scalp" source="Orion">Scalp</keyword> air-to-ground missiles. The IAF has also added the HAMMER missile to the Rafale's arsenal as it was required for carrying out precision attacks at shorter distances. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/justice-dy-chandrachud-to-take-oath-as-50th-chief-justice-of-india-today/articleshow/95392300.cms">Justice DY Chandrachud to take oath as 50th Chief Justice of India today</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-should-decrease-its-dependence-on-russia-over-time-says-us-state-dept/articleshow/95394441.cms">India should decrease its dependence on Russia over time says US State Dept</a>

India to receive its last Rafale by December 15

The Indian Air Force on Tuesday received its first Rafale fighter jet from a series of 36 aircraft purchased from France in presence of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh here. Singh attended the handover ceremony of the first Rafale fighter jet acquired by the IAF along with his French counterpart Florence Parly at aircraft maker Dassault Aviation facility in Merignac, southwestern France. "Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially," Singh said after receiving the aircraft. Singh, who earlier held wide-ranging talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, said his visit was aimed at "expanding the strategic partnership" between India and France. Arrangements have also been made for a traditional Indian Shastra Puja, or weapons' worship which forms part of Dussehra celebrations and this year also marks Air Force Day - IAF's 87th anniversary. Singh is scheduled to fly a sortie in the Rafale jet following the Shastra Puja, which will conclude with the traditional breaking of a coconut before the new aircraft. India had ordered 36 Rafale fighter jets from France in a deal worth Rs 59,000 crore in September 2016. The first batch of four Rafale jets will fly to their home base in India by May 2020. All 36 jets are expected to arrive in India by September 2022, for which the IAF has been reportedly undertaking preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots. The Rafale is a twin-jet fighter aircraft able to operate from both an aircraft carrier and a shore base. The manufacturers describe it as a fully versatile aircraft which can carry out all combat aviation missions to achieve air superiority and air defence, close air support, in-depth strikes, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence.

Rafale will boost India's air dominance exponentially: Rajnath Singh after officially receiving the fighter aircraft

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will fly a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet on October 8 from a French airbase in Paris to gain first-hand experience of the aircraft, official sources said on Thursday. Singh is scheduled to travel to Paris on October 7 on a three-day visit, primarily to receive the first of 36 Rafale fighter jets. The ceremony to hand over the first Rafale jet will take place on October 8, the foundation day of the Indian Air Force, the sources said. After receiving the aircraft, the defence minister will take a sortie in the aircraft, they said. Top military brass of France as well as senior officials of Dassault Aviation, the makers of Rafale, will also be present at the handing over ceremony. In July 2017, the then IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, flew a Rafale jet at the Saint-Dizier airbase during his visit to France. On October 9, Singh is scheduled to hold extensive talks with top defence brass of the French government on ways to further deepen defence and security cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited France in August during which both the sides resolved to further enhance the already close defence ties between the two countries. Sources said a high-level team of the Indian Air Force is already in Paris to coordinate with French officials on the handing over ceremony. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around Rs 58,000 crore. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons and missiles. The IAF has already completed preparations, including readying required infrastructure and training of pilots, to welcome the fighter aircraft. The sources said the first squadron of the aircraft will be deployed at Ambala air force station, considered one of the most strategically located bases of the IAF. The Indo-Pak border is around 220 km from there. The second squadron of Rafale will be stationed at Hasimara base in West Bengal. A number of IAF teams have already visited France to help Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale, incorporate India-specific enhancements on-board the fighter aircraft. The Rafale jets will come with various India-specific modifications, including Israeli helmet-mounted displays, radar warning receivers, low band jammers, 10-hour flight data recording, infra-red search and tracking systems among others. The Congress raised several questions about the deal, including on rates of the aircraft, and alleged corruption but the government has rejected the charges. The IAF spent around Rs 400 crore to develop required infrastructure like shelters, hangers and maintenance facilities at the two bases. According to the deal, the delivery of the jets was to be completed in 67 months from the date the contract was signed.

Rajnath Singh to fly Rafale sortie on October 8 in Paris

New Delhi, <keyword id="32723" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence">Defence</keyword> Minister <keyword id="6355121" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajnath-Singh">Rajnath Singh</keyword> on Monday told the <keyword id="48510" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rajya-Sabha">Rajya Sabha</keyword> that all sanctioned Rafale fighter jets will be inducted into the <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> by April 2022. By March this year, 7 <keyword id="925199" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rafales">Rafales</keyword> will be inducted. The IAF till date has 11 of the ace fighter planes. Three Rafale combat aircrafts landed in India on January 27 night after flying non-stop from France, an Indian Air Force official said. The three jets added to the then fleet of eight Rafale aircrafts. It was the third batch of Rafale aircraft that landed after flying over 7,000 km from the Istres air base in France and used in-flight refuelling. The Rafale combat aircraft is manufactured by French company <keyword id="230239" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dassault-Aviation">Dassault Aviation</keyword>. India received the first batch of five Rafale aircraft on July 29, 2020 which were inducted into the 17 'Golden Arrows' Squadron on September 10 at the Ambala Air Base last year. The second batch of three Rafale combat aircraft arrived in India on November 4, 2020. India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. Rafale is a 4.5 generation aircraft and has the latest weapons, superior sensors and fully integrated architecture. It is an omni-role aircraft which means it can carry out at least four missions in one sortie. The fighter jet has HAMMER missiles. It will also be armed with beyond visual range missiles like Meteor, SCALP and MICA, increasing its ability to take on incoming targets from a distance. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/apples-talks-with-hyundai-and-kia-for-autonomous-cars-may-have-crashed-early/articleshow/80742934.cms">Apple's talks with Hyundai and Kia for autonomous cars may have crashed early</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/mobile/news/oneplus-9-pro-new-flagship-smartphone-expected-price-specification-and-launch-date-leaked/articleshow/80742720.cms">This could be the next OnePlus flagship smartphone</a>

All Rafale jets to be inducted by Indian Air Force by April 2022, says  Defence Minister

The first batch of five Rafale fighter jets will be formally inducted into the <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> on Thursday in Ambala air base, at a time India is engaged in an escalating border row with China in eastern Ladakh. A galaxy of dignitaries including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, his French counterpart Florence Parly, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria and Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar will attend the ceremony. "The program will include ceremonial unveiling of the <keyword id="939956" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Rafale-aircraft">Rafale aircraft</keyword>, a traditional 'Sarva Dharma Puja', air display by Rafale and Tejas aircraft as well as by 'Sarang aerobatic team'," an IAF spokesperson said, describing the ceremony as a "very important milestone" in the history of the force. The Rafale jets, produced by French aerospace major Dassault Aviation, are known for air-superiority and precision strikes. IAF Spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi said a traditional water cannon salute will be given to the Rafale fleet before its ceremonial induction into the 17 squadron of the force. The first batch of five Rafale jets arrived in India on July 29, nearly four years after India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36 of the aircraft at a cost of Rs 59,000 crore. The French delegation at the ceremony will include French envoy Emmanuel Lenain, Air Gen Eric Autellet, Vice Chief of <keyword id="162534" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="French-Air-Force">French Air Force</keyword>, Chairman and Chief Executive of Dassault Aviation Eric Trappier and CEO of missile maker MBDA Eric Beranger. After the ceremony, Parly and Singh will hold talks in Ambala on ways to further deepen bilateral defence and security cooperation after the ceremony, they said. Ten Rafale jets have been delivered to India so far and five of them stayed back in France for imparting training to IAF pilots. The delivery of all 36 aircraft is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021. A second batch of four to five Rafale jets are likely to arrive in India by November. Sources said a preliminary discussion on a possible procurement of another batch of 36 Rafale jets by India from France may figure in the talks between Singh and Parly. The Rafale jets are India's first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 year after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia. The Rafale jets are capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. Meteor is a next generation beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to revolutionise air-to-air combat. The weapon has been developed by MBDA to combat common threats facing the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain and Sweden. Out of 36 Rafale jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets. While the first squadron of the Rafale jets will be stationed at Ambala air base, the second one will be based at Hasimara base in West Bengal. The 17 Squadron of the IAF which was resurrected on September 10 last year. The squadron was originally raised at Air Force Station, Ambala on Oct 1 1951. The 17 Squadron has many firsts to its credit; in 1955 it was equipped with the first jet fighter, the legendary De Havilland Vampire. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/airline-ticket-refund-supreme-court-seeks-clarification-from-the-centre-and-grants-ten-days-to-airlines-to-submit-their-reply/articleshow/78014888.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Airline ticket refund: Supreme Court seeks clarification from the Centre and grants ten days to airlines to submit their reply</a>

India to formally induct Rafale aircraft in the 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' today

India to induct Rafale jets today— here are all the special features of India's new combat fighters

<ul><li>The jets took off from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday and will arrive here after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates.</li><li>The fleet of five jets comprises three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft. </li><li>Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders near the <keyword id="6338781" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="ambala-air-force-station">Ambala Air Force Station</keyword>, banning shooting of videos and photography. </li></ul> The first batch of five Rafale jets are scheduled to land at the Ambala air base here on Wednesday afternoon with police tightening the security around the air force station. The squadron of Rafale jets will be stationed at the Ambala air base in Haryana. The jets took off from the Merignac airbase in French port city of Bordeaux on Monday and will arrive here after covering a distance of 7,000 km with air-to-air refuelling and a single stop in the United Arab Emirates. The fleet of five jets comprises three single-seater and two twin-seater aircraft. Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders near the Ambala Air Force Station, banning shooting of videos and photography. The Ambala district administration has also prohibited people from flying private drones within the three-km radius of the air base, officials said earlier. Section 144, which prohibits assembly of four or more people, has been imposed in the villages adjoining the air base, including Dhulkot, Baldev Nagar, Garnala and Panjkhora. Ambala deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma said shooting of videos or taking photographs of the boundary wall of the air base and its adjoining areas will remain strictly prohibited during the imposition of the prohibitory orders. Meanwhile, the Haryana Police has set up several check barricades and police officers were seen patrolling residential localities near the air base, making announcements over loudspeakers warning people not to stand on the rooftop of their houses to click pictures or shoot videos. Violators would face punishment as per the law, they warned. At many places here, hoardings have been erected to welcome the arrival of the fighter jets with some of these mentioning that their induction will further boost <keyword id="6355075" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF">IAF</keyword>'s capabilities. Haryana Home Minister Anil Vij on Wednesday said the people of Ambala are very enthusiastic about the arrival of the jets. "This is a very proud and a historic moment for us that the Rafale jets will be stationed in Ambala Cantonment area. Rafales are IAF's 'Sikandar', which will significantly boost our combat capabilities," he said. He said had there not been the threat of coronavirus pandemic, thousands would have gathered in the streets to welcome the jets. Nearly four years ago, India signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to purchase 36 Rafale jets under a Rs 59,000-crore deal to boost the IAF's combat capabilities. The five Rafales are scheduled to be inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday, though a formal induction ceremony would be held later. The jets will be inducted into the IAF as part of its No 17 Squadron, also known as the 'Golden Arrows'. The aircraft is capable of carrying a range of potent weapons. European missile maker MBDA's Meteor beyond visual range air-to-air missile and Scalp cruise missile will be the mainstay of the weapons package of the Rafale jets. Of the 36 jets, 30 will be fighter jets and six will be trainers. The trainer jets will be twin-seater and they will have almost all the features of the fighter jets. The IAF has undertaken major infrastructure upgrades at the Ambala base for the deployment of the first Rafale squadron. Built in 1948, the air base is located on the east side of Ambala and is used for military and government flights. The air base has two squadrons of the Jaguar combat aircraft and one squadron of the MIG-21 'Bison'. Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh was the first commander of the base. The Mirage fighters that were used for the air strike in Balakot in Pakistan in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack had taken off from here. 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Five Rafale jets to land in Ambala today

The induction of <keyword id="6381048" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rafale">Rafale</keyword> into Indian Air Force (IAF) today is expected to be a pivotal turning point that will augment the capabilities of Indian Defense Forces. Certainly a game changer by all means, Rafale aircraft in the Indian Air Force will mean the country winning a prime place among the countries that boast of superior fighting aircrafts. When compared with the air power of Pakistan and many other South Asian countries, Rafale will lift up India’s competence significantly though comparing with China’s air strength will be a long way to go. Here are the top characteristics of Rafale that will explain why Rafale is different from Indian fighter aircrafts. The need we confront For about twenty years, India has been viewed to be disadvantaged in terms of long-range arms and sensors vis-a-vis PAF. Rafale will change this fate and bestow on the IAF the crucial edge with far better weapons and sensors. Two F16s need to combine together to counter-challenge a single /Rafale in the air. Since the American Jets have superior radar and missiles, two Su 30MKI need to be knotted to fight one of PAK F16. What India will achieve with Rafale? The weapons package that Rafale will get for India will capacitate India with the ability to engage Pakistani jets from a long distance without the risk of being tracked. In addition, the air-to-ground SCALP missile can precisely track down any target on the Pakistani territory with ease. The precision long-range ground attack missile can attack the specific target accurately. Since Rafale has a range of more than 300 kms, Indian aircrafts will not need to cross the LOC since the operations similar to Balakot can be conducted from within the Indian airspace. Rafale features beyond visual range air to air missile that is the best today. The aircraft can take out the enemy aircraft from a range of more than 100 kms. There is no escape zone of more than 60 km, the missile can easily overtake those of the American origin. What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India? Already countries like France and Egypt have been operating Rafale jets, those that have been supplied to India are more sophisticated and highly customized to meet the specific needs that IAF has today. The pilots can significantly benefit from the helmet mounted sights and targeting systems and can shoot off the weapons with lightning speed. Rafale can easily take off from high altitude air bases like Leh on a cold start in order to carry out quick deployment AMRAAM presently with Pak in a highly accurate manner. The towed decoy system can thwart the incoming missile attacks. Upon the induction of Rafale into the IAF, France will provide industrial support for about 50 years. The future ahead of Rafale in IAF India has plans to acquire not less 36 more Rafale jets. The infrastructure necessary to accommodate them is now ready and a deal to purchase 36 more will cost the country considerably lesser since the specific enhancements required by India have been already paid for.

What is special about the Rafale aircraft supplied to India?

As expected, the twin-jet Rafale combat aircraft would be delivered to the Indian Air Force by July end, <keyword id="9484671" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="top-defence-officials">top defence officials</keyword> said, adding that France, at the very beginning of the <keyword id="8829783" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="coronavirus-pandemic">coronavirus pandemic</keyword>, informed India of this delivery date. "French company Dassault Aviation is expected to deliver the much awaited twin-jet combat aircraft Rafale by July end," a senior IAF officer said. "It would inform us of the delivery date and also if there would be any delay. As of today, everyone is expecting that it would be delivered as told by the French company," he added. Asked about reports of July 27 as delivery date, the IAF officer said: "We are not aware." A Defence Ministry official had a similar response. On June 2, France had reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The expected date of delivery is July end. France's reaffirmation came when Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had a telephonic conversation with French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly. They discussed matters of mutual concern including the Covid-19 situation, regional security and agreed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation. Both ministers appreciated the efforts made by armed forces of India and France in fighting the pandemic. The Indian Defence Ministry had then said that France had reaffirmed its commitment to ensure timely delivery of Rafale aircraft despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. On October 8, 2019, Rajnath Singh flew a sortie of the inducted Rafale aircraft in France. "The new Rafale Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) will make India stronger and will give a boost to its air dominance exponentially to ensure peace and security in the region," the minister had said during his address at the Rafale handing over ceremony at France's Merignac. Some of the major contracts related to procurement and supply of defence equipment signed with foreign countries since 2013-14 include the joint venture for manufacturing of AK-203 rifles, agreement for manufacturing of spares, components, etc required for Russian/Soviet origin platforms and defence equipment, manufacture of Ka-226T helicopters, supply of S-400 long range surface to air missile system, the Rafale fighter jets, the M777 ultra-light howitzer, and the C-17 aircraft. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/international/news/british-energy-group-bp-sells-its-petrochemicals-business-to-rival-ineos-for-5-billion-dollar/articleshow/76688557.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">BP sells its petrochemicals business to rival INEOS for $5 billion — meets its divestments target ahead of schedule</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/defense/news/pakistan-stock-exchange-attack-kills-six/articleshow/76684754.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Gun and grenade attack at Pakistan Stock Exchange kills six</a>

France to deliver the twin-jet Rafale combat aircraft by July end

<ul><li>The <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> (IAF) has initiated work on two of its ambitious ‘<keyword id="6354869" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="make-in-India">Make in India</keyword>’ projects to acquire <keyword id="6408212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="114-fighter-jets">114 fighter jets</keyword> and the C-295 transport aircraft. </li><li>The project for 114 fighter jets is presently the biggest deal around the world, and includes French, US, Rusian and the European fighter <keyword id="6624488" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Eurofighter-Typhoon">Eurofighter Typhoon</keyword>. </li><li>The project is worth ₹1,50,000 crore and the C-295 transport aircraft is worth ₹11,929 crore. </li></ul>The Indian Air Force has initiated the process of its two ambitious Make in India projects for 114 fighter jets and 56 medium transport transport aircraft, worth about ₹1,50,000 crore. The authorities are working on a project to manufacture 114 fighter jets, as the request for proposal (RFP)---which invites interested bidders---might be issued in late 2019 or early 2020, <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pushes-for-mega-make-in-india-projects-for-fighters-transport-planes/articleshow/70120240.cms?from=mdr">reported the Time of India</a>. A large number of international players are known to be interested to take part in indegenous production of these fighter jets. One of them known to be in the race is Rafale, along with F/A-18 and F-16 from the US, Mig 35 and Sukhoi-35 from Russia, Gripen-E from Sweden, and the Eurofighter typhoon. Depleting Numbers The proposal for 114 fighter jets is presently world’s biggest deal in aviation industry. “The 114-fighter project is crucial because the 36 Rafales and the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft will not make up for the fast depleting numbers. There is an urgent need to plan for the future,” <a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/iaf-pushes-for-mega-make-in-india-projects-for-fighters-transport-planes/articleshow/70120240.cms?from=mdr">a source told TOI</a>. The Indian Air Force (IAF) severely lacks fighter squadrons. Only 30 of the 42 available squadrons are in working condition. However, these numbers will be reinforced as Rafale jets from <keyword id="6354785" type="LOCATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="france">France</keyword> will be delivered in May 2020. The deal worth ₹56,000 crore was finalised in 2016. The induction team of the IAF which includes 10 pilots, 10 flight engineers and 40 technicians are currently undergoing training in France. Tata-Airbus venture The Air Force is already working on medium transport aircraft which will be manufactured by the TATA-Airbus consortium. This production is expected to kickstart in 2019-20. The TATA-Airbus joint venture for 56 twin turboprop tactical C-295 is in its final stages. “The extensive trials and CNC (contract negotiations committee) are over now. DAC will take up the project to approve certain deviations before sending it to the cabinet committee on security for the final nod,” as per sources. The C-295 planes will replace the Avro Aircraft, which was first inducted in 1960’s. Initially valued at ₹11,929 crore, it was meant for the Indian private sector to enter aerospace manufacturing. The aircraft will be delivered in two phases. Airbus will supply the first 10 aircraft and the remaining 40 will be manufactured by TATA in India, over the next eight years.

Air Force to call bids for 114 jets worth ₹1,50,000 crore--to be Made in India

NEW DELHI: When the <keyword id="6376012" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Tejas">Tejas</keyword> light combat aircraft tears into the sky over Bangalore on Friday, its sonic boom will finally herald a major milestone in the long, tortuous developmental saga of the homegrown supersonic fighter. 
 Having clocked almost 2,420 flight tests since its prototype first flew in January 2011, the lightweight multirole Tejas fighter will finally zoom past the initial operational clearance (<keyword id="6354733" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="IOC">IOC</keyword>) mark on Friday. For long wary of <keyword id="508910" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="The-Fighter">the fighter</keyword> being prematurely thrust down its throat, even the IAF will clap this time. 
 "This Tejas Mark-I is much better than a MiG-21 'Bison' on several counts, including weapon-carrying capability and range. But the fighter's full capabilities will emerge only in the Tejas Mark-II version, with a more powerful engine, radar and weapons, which is slated to be ready by December 2018," said a top <keyword id="194542" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="IAF-officer">IAF officer</keyword>. 
 But that is in the future. Friday will mark the actual IOC - which basically signifies the fighter is fully airworthy in different conditions, from extremely low temperatures of high-altitude areas to the searing heat of deserts - of the Tejas Mark-I. It will not be the specious one that the combine of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), <keyword id="139969" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Aeronautical-Development-Agency">Aeronautical Development Agency</keyword> (ADA) and <keyword id="139970" type="COMPANY" weightage="40" keywordseo="Hindustan-Aeronautics-Ltd">Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd</keyword> (HAL) passed off as IOC-I in January 2011. 
 
 
 
The Tejas Mark-I fighter, however, will be ready to go to battle only in 2015 once it gets the final operational clearance (FOC), after integration of all weapons and other systems to ensure it can fi re 23mm guns, rockets and BVR (beyond visual range) missiles as well as undergo air-to-air refuelling. As of now, the Tejas can let loose only close-range R-73 air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground laser and unguided bombs. 
 It's a no-brainer that India needs to have its own <keyword id="6500558" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="40" keywordseo="Indigenous">indigenous</keyword> fighter in an era where the supremacy of airpower in shaping modern-day battles is unquestioned, and foreign imports can be choked in times of emergencies. 
 But the way the LCA project has meandered over the years, since it was fi rst approved in August 1983 at a paltry cost of Rs 560 crore to replace the ageing MiG-21s, has tested everyone's patience. So much so that TOI in April 2003, just before then PM <keyword id="47100" type="PERSON" weightage="40" keywordseo="Atal-Bihari-Vajpayee">Atal Bihari Vajpayee</keyword> named it "Tejas", had suggested it be christened "Jet-Ayu" - 'Ayu' being the Hindi word for age, and 'Jatayu', the bird king who fought Ravana in vain to prevent him from abducting Sita. 
 
Down to just 34 fighter squadrons, IAF is of course still fl ying the obsolete MiG-21s. Due to the huge delay in the LCA project, it still has around 250 MiG-21s in its combat fleet, having further staggered their already long-delayed retirement by at least another five years. Not only has the LCA been in the making for 30 years, with deadlines being missed time and again, its overall developmental cost has also zoomed up to Rs 17,269 crore. This includes the Kaveri aero engine, sanctioned in 1989 at a cost of Rs 2,839 crore, which flopped miserably. 
 Consequently, while the first lot of Tejas will be powered by the American <keyword id="45528" type="CITY" weightage="40" keywordseo="GE">GE</keyword>-404 engines, the Mark-II ones will have the more powerful GE F-414 engines. Over and above the developmental cost, each Tejas will cost around Rs 210-250 crore. So, the induction of 160 Tejas - 120 for IAF, 40 for Navy - will cost another Rs 35,000 crore. 
 
However, defence scientists pooh-pooh all this talk of high costs. 
 "A fourth-generation-plus fighter, Tejas will still be among the cheapest fighters in its class in the world. It's not easy to develop a digital fl y-by-wire supersonic fighter from scratch, especially when India faced international sanctions for several years after the Pokhran-II nuclear tests," said a <keyword id="9662" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Scientist">scientist</keyword>. 
 Though late in coming, the Tejas is certainly critical for the IAF to meet its lightweight fighter requirements. While the heavyweight fighter category is taken care of by the Sukhoi-30MKIs, the medium range is to be met by the proposed almost $20 billion MMRCA (medium multirole combat aircraft) project to acquire 126 <keyword id="6381048" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="40" keywordseo="Rafale">Rafale</keyword> fighters. 
 "The MMRCA and Tejas squadrons are very critical for us to maintain our deterrence capability. Otherwise, our force levels will go down rapidly," says <keyword id="483998" type="POSITION" weightage="40" keywordseo="IAF-Chief-Air-Chief-Marshal">IAF chief Air Chief Marshal</keyword> NAK Browne.

Tejas: A Rs 50,000 crore bird for India

<ul class="summary-list"><li>France is making plans to build a next-generation aircraft carrier to replace Charles de Gaulle.</li><li>The new carrier will have the same aircraft launch and recovery systems as the US's newest carriers.</li></ul>In September, US defense firm General Atomics <a href="https://www.ga.com/ga-awarded-contract-continuing-emals-aag-evaluation-for-france-next-generation-aircraft-carrier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announced</a> that it had received a contract from the US Navy to continue its development and evaluation of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System and Advanced Arresting Gear in preparation for their potential sale to France.It is the latest development in France's ambition to build a new nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, a project known as the <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/porte-avions-nouvelle-generation-pang/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Porte-Avions de Nouvelle Génération</a>, sometimes called PANG, which translates to "New Generation Aircraft Carrier."The yet-to-be-named ship will replace France's current carrier, <a href="https://www.seaforces.org/marint/French-Navy/Aircraft-Carrier/R-91-FS-Charles-de-Gaulle.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Charles de Gaulle</a>. PANG will be considerably larger than its predecessor and will grant the French navy the prestige of operating a "supercarrier" — a distinction held by only a few navies.<h2>Charles de Gaulle</h2><div type="image" title="aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle" height="804" width="1240" msid="94747964" hostid="261" sizebytes="135380"></div>Launched in 1994 and commissioned in 2001, Charles de Gaulle replaced France's two <a href="https://www.militaryfactory.com/ships/ship-classes/clemenceau-class-aircraft-carriers-france.php" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Clemenceau-class</a> carriers, Clemenceau and Foch, which were decommissioned in 1997 and 2000, respectively. (Foch was sold to Brazil and was in Brazilian service until 2018).Charles de Gaulle is currently the French navy's flagship. It is 858 feet long and displaces some 42,000 tons fully loaded. It's manned by a crew of 1,350 and an air wing of 650 personnel. It can also embark 800 troops.It is the only non-US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world. Its two K15 pressurized water reactors give it a top speed of about 27 knots and a range limited only by its crew's endurance.It is also the only non-US carrier to use catapults to launch aircraft, a system known as Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery.<div type="image" title="USS Gerald R. Ford F/A-18F Super Hornet EMALS AAG" height="825" width="1100" msid="94747965" hostid="261" sizebytes="99250"></div>Its catapults are shorter versions of those used aboard US Navy Nimitz-class carriers. "An American officer is present among the crew of the aircraft carrier to ensure the maintenance interfaces," Adm. Pierre Vandier, chief of staff of the French navy, said of Charles de Gaulle in July."For the future aircraft carrier it was also decided to go for American equipment, which will be electromagnetic catapults and electromagnetic arresting gear," Vandier <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/interviews/2022/07/video-interview-with-admiral-vandier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Naval News</a>, adding that there would be "similar cooperations" with the US "to support the ramp-up in operational power and to ensure the maintenance of these catapults."De Gaulle can sail with an air wing of up to 40 aircraft, though it is usually composed of 30 <a href="https://www.19fortyfive.com/2022/07/rafale-m-frances-aircraft-carrier-fighter-jet-that-makes-russia-sweat/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rafale M</a> fighters, two <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/e2d-quarterback-of-carrier-air-wings-first-flew-in-2007-2022-8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">E-2C Hawkeye</a> airborne early warning and control aircraft, and a combination of <a href="https://www.seaforces.org/marint/French-Navy/AVIATION/NH90-Caiman.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NH90</a>, <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/as565-panther/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AS565 Panther</a>, and <a href="https://www.seaforces.org/marint/French-Navy/AVIATION/AS365-Dauphin.htm" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AS365 Dauphin</a> helicopters.<div type="image" title="French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Red Sea" height="1228" width="1638" msid="94747966" hostid="261" sizebytes="289510"></div>In addition to its air wing, Charles de Gaulle has four eight-cell Sylver VLS launchers that can fire <a href="https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/09/french-navy-live-fires-aster-15-missile-in-the-bay-of-biscay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MBDA Aster 15</a> surface-to-air missiles and two six-cell Sadral launchers for Mistral anti-air missiles.Charles de Gaulle's first combat deployment was during Operation Enduring Freedom, during which its aircraft flew some 700 sorties against Taliban targets. In 2011, the carrier helped enforce a no-fly zone over Libya.Charles de Gaulle has also been very active against ISIS, launching airstrikes against targets in Iraq from <a href="https://news.usni.org/2015/04/20/french-carrier-charles-de-gaulle-bound-for-india-after-two-months-of-strikes-against-isis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Persian Gulf</a> in 2015 and in support of the liberation Mosul while <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/10/17/middleeast/france-nuclear-carrier-mosul-iraq-isis/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">in the Mediterranean</a> in 2016. This year, it helped reinforce NATO's presence in the Eastern Mediterranean following Russia's attack on Ukraine.<h2>PANG</h2><div type="image" title="Malbrunot Lanzilotta navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford" height="1333" width="2000" msid="94747967" hostid="261" sizebytes="109574"></div>Though France has traditionally operated two carriers simultaneously, it never built a counterpart for Charles de Gaulle. There were plans for <a href="https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/porte-avoins2/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">a carrier</a> modeled on the British navy's Queen Elizabeth class, but they were canceled in 2013.In 2018, however, France's armed forces minister said a new effort to replace Charles de Gaulle was underway. In December 2020, French President Emmanuel Macron <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/france-to-build-a-brand-new-nuclear-powered-aircraft-carrier-2020-12" target="_blank" rel="noopener">officially unveiled</a> the program.The PANG will be a significant upgrade over Charles de Gaulle. It will be about 984 feet long and displace some 74,000 tons, putting it on par with the other active "supercarriers," which usually displace over 65,000 tons.Like its predecessor, the PANG will be nuclear-powered, using two K22 reactors, each capable of generating 220 megawatts. (The K15s each generate 150 megawatts.) French officials say the reactors will enable the navy to project power abroad while reducing emissions.The PANG's air wing will be larger than Charles de Gaulle's and is expected to include at least 32 fighters as well as an undetermined number of support aircraft, helicopters, and drones.<div type="image" title="French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in Red Sea" height="971" width="1295" msid="94747968" hostid="261" sizebytes="209884"></div>In addition to the Rafale M, the air wing is expected to include the naval variant of the <a href="https://breakingdefense.com/2022/09/mired-in-politics-franco-german-next-gen-fighter-likely-headed-for-the-2050s/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">New Generation Fighter</a>, a sixth-generation fighter jet being jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain. Eventually the entire PANG air wing will be composed of NGFs.The PANG will also feature EMALS and AAG — the same systems used by the US Navy's Gerald R. Ford-class carriers. EMALS uses linear induction motors instead of steam, making it more efficient and able to launch fixed-wing aircraft more smoothly and at much faster rates.EMALS has <a href="https://taskandpurpose.com/news/navy-gerald-r-ford-aircraft-carrier-emals-problems/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">been a headache</a> for the US Navy, but recent changes have increased the system's reliability. The Navy <a href="https://www.navair.navy.mil/news/EMALS-and-AAG-reach-10000-aircraft-launches-and-recoveries/Tue-07052022-1019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said in July</a> that EMALS and AAG aboard USS Gerald R. Ford had conducted 10,000 aircraft launches and recoveries.Construction of the PANG is planned to start in 2025. Its first sea trials are expected to be in 2036, followed by commissioning in 2038 — the year Charles de Gaulle is expected to leave service.Once commissioned, the PANG will replace Charles de Gaulle as the French navy's flagship. It is expected to be in service until at least 2080.

The US Navy's new high-tech aircraft launcher is being prepped for deployment on France's new nuclear-powered carrier

The present security scenario along our northern frontiers is at an uneasy "no war no peace" status, Chief of Air Staff <keyword id="50922" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="Air-Chief-Marshal">Air Chief Marshal</keyword> <keyword id="7858995" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="rks-bhadauria">RKS Bhadauria</keyword> said on Tuesday, referring to the prolonged border row with China in eastern Ladakh. In an address at a conference, Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the <keyword id="15141" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Air-Force">Indian Air Force</keyword> has responded to the situation with rapidity and is fully resolved to counter any "misadventure" in the region. "The present security scenario along our northern frontiers is at an uneasy no war no peace status. Our defence forces are prepared for any eventuality as you are aware," the Chief of Air Staff said. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria said the recent induction of Rafale jets along with previous acquisitions of C-17 Globemaster aircraft as well as Chinook and Apache helicopters have provided the IAF with substantial tactical and strategic capability enhancement. "Air power will be a crucial enabler in our victory in any future conflict. It is, therefore, imperative that IAF obtains and maintains technological edge over our adversaries," he said at the conference on energising the Indian aerospace industry. Five French-made multi-role Rafale fighter jets were inducted into the IAF on September 10. The fleet has been carrying out sorties in eastern Ladakh in the last couple of weeks. The <keyword id="43924" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="IAF-chief">IAF chief</keyword> also said that the raising of two squadrons of light combat aircraft Tejas and integration of some indigenous weapons on Su-30 MKI combat jets in a very reduced time frame have been the "most promising" development, reflecting the country's capabilities to develop indigenous military hardware. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/personalities/news/google-doodle-celebrates-zohra-sehgal-everyones-favourite-dadi-an-indian-royal-and-doctor-who-star/articleshow/78377815.cms">Google Doodle celebrates Zohra Sehgal — Everyone's favourite dadi, an Indian royal and Doctor Who star</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/super30-alumni-founded-startup-wants-to-take-forward-the-legacy-of-his-alma-mater/articleshow/78377011.cms">Super30 alumni founded startup wants to take forward the legacy of his alma mater</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/stock-market/news/top-stocks-to-watch-infosys-central-bank-of-india-dhfl-anuh-pharma-shalby-balaji-telefilms-and-others/articleshow/78376167.cms">Top stocks to watch— Infosys, Central Bank of India, DHFL, Anuh Pharma, Shalby, Balaji Telefilms and others</a>

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