Su-30MKI, LCA to Augment Indian Air Force Operational Strength: Defence Minister

The Indian Air Force is in the process of inducting additional Su-30 MKI and Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) which would augment the operational strength of the IAF.

Further, the delivery of the 36 Dassault Rafale which are under negotiations with France, would be in time-frame that would be compatible with the operational requirement of IAF, Defence minister Manohar Parrikar told the Indian parliament yesterday.

As per the India-France Joint Statement issued by the two countries during the Prime Minister’s visit to France, Government of India conveyed to the Government of France that in view of the critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat Aircraft for IAF, Government of India would like to acquire (36) Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible..

A Negotiating Team has been constituted to negotiate the terms and conditions of the procurement of 36 Rafale jets and recommend a draft agreement. The meetings of the Indian Negotiating team with the French side have commenced.