Dassault, HAL To Be Co-Contractors On Indian-Built Rafales

AINT-CLOUD and PARIS – France’s bid to sell 126 Rafale combat jets to India moved a step closer to reality in recent weeks, with Dassault Aviation and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) reaching an agreement as to who will be responsible for guaranteeing 108 Indian-built aircraft required under the deal.

The first 18 Rafale jets are to be built in France. After that, India’s HAL would take over production of the remaining aircraft.

« This is the first time Dassault agrees to be a co-contractor, » Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said following his company’s annual earnings conference March 11. « Dassault and HAL will both take responsibility for the part they will each build on the Rafale aircraft made in India, » he continued, asserting the commitment is in line with the Indian government’s initial request for proposals under the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) tender.

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