Dassault Rafale MMRCA Deal Not Final, Will Take Time: Indian Defense Minister

Indian Defense Minister, Manohar Parrikar today said that multi-billion dollar MMRCA deal with Rafale fighter jet is not yet finalized and will take more time.

“Rafale deal is not through or final. If it is at all finalized in future, it will take time. I would not like to comment on it as it is still in the negotiation stage,” he said during the lower house session.

“The Defence Acquisition Council has recently cleared 44 projects worth Rs.1,34,000 crore (US$21.3 billion) and all of them were critical for the armed forces. We are trying to fast track our defense acquisition process. One example is bullet-proof jacket. We have already ordered 50,000 bullet proof jacket and 50,000 more are expected to be ordered shortly...,” he said.

Manohar Parrikar during the Aero India Airshow last month had said that the decision on the rafale acquisition will have to wait till March for the Contract Negotiation Committee (CNC) final report.

"I am waiting the CNC report and until the detailed report is submitted, I will be unable to comment on the MMRCA aircraft acquisition. I have asked the CNC to expedite the report. The report is expected in March if not February. It is essential for the ministry to make a final decision about the deal,” Parrikar had said.