As the Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares for a high-profile Rafale induction ceremony which could include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French defence minister Florence Parly at the air force station in Ambala, it is quite possible, France may offer more fighters at a lower cost.
Preparations for a formal ceremony is likely to take place in the coming weeks although a final date has not been decided on.
Right now the five Rafale jets that flew all the way from France to India on July 29 are being integrated into the air force and is pitted to be a force multiplier. The fighter has already proven its worth by successful weapons firing at a test range after arrival.
After the Galwan valley ambush by Chinese Soldiers that led to the killing of 20 Indian armies personal and an unspecified number of Chinese casualty, French defence minister Parly, had pledged support for India and had requested for a bilateral visit.
It is quite likely she will be part of the formal ceremony at Ambala, in the second half of August sources said.
The French delegation is also likely to ask India for a larger order for the Rafale fighter jets under the Make in India initiative.
According to sources who told Economic Times, a proposal for creating a new production line for Rafale fighter jets in India could be on the table. If this happens, India could soon produce world-class fighters and a similar proposal has also come from the makers of F-21 fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
As India has allowed foreign companies to have 74 per cent stake in defence entities under the new foreign direct investment (FDI), the French side could invest in setting up a new production line, if a sufficient order book is available.
India purchased 36 Rafale jets as an off the shelf and an economically viable production line could be set up if India orders at least 100 more aircraft, besides options to cater to the export market.
The new Rafale jets could cost considerably lesser than the Euro 7.8 billion paid for the first batch of 36 aircraft. The reason for such high cost is due to training, creating infrastructure and making India-specific enhancements.
Now that we have the technical know-how with regards to training, the cost of a new jet will now be less.