France: Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France told to President Francois Hollange that India will soon purchase 36 Rafale jets and over 3 years, India and France are planning to buy 126 Rafale fighter jets worth $12 billion.

On Friday Indo-French reached new level for which Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that India will soon purchase 36 Rafale jets which are made in France at news conference with French President Francois Hollange.

Over three years India and France are planning to buy 126 Rafale fighter jets worth $12 billion. Due to the over cost, it has been delayed. In those 126 jets, Dassault Aviation guaranteed for 108 planes which are made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

By keeping this in mind, Modi said that 36 Rafale aircrafts are being bought due to “critical operational necessity’” of the India Air Force. These Rafale jets will be purchased through a government–to-government deal worth of $4.2 billion and will be delivered according to a timeframe compatible to the IAF’s requirements, same configuration and with a longer maintenance responsibility for France.

To counter a two-front threat from China to Pakistan, India requires 45 combat teams, but it has only 34 teams with about 18 aircraft each.  The new Rafale jets will be suitable for two squadrons. Defence minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told that all 36 jets will be made in France.

Along with these Rafale deal, an agreement is going on for another 17 projects that includes smart cities, climate change, Jaitapur nuclear energy project, security, space, economic cooperation, cultural cooperation & education and science & technology. Hollande said that, France will support India’s sustainable development.