Indian Air Force To Receive 126 Dassault Rafale Fighter Jet

French manufacturer, Dassault, has won a tender to supply Indian Air Force with 126 units of its fighter jets. The Indian Air Force will receive the Rafale fighter jet, version MMRCA. All jets will be delivered within 10 years, starting from the signing of the agreement later this year. The tender itself is worth US$10.4 billion. This news was announced Januari 31st, 2012.

French aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation wins Indian Air Force MMRCA deal worth $10.4 Billion. India plans to buy 126 aircraft from the company for the coming ten years. Sources say that the process of lowest bidder has been completed, Rafale emerged winner against the European Eurofighter Typhoon. According to the deal 18 aircraft will be directly bought from Dassault Aviation and the rest 108 aircraft will be manufactured in India with partnership with Indian companies.

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India will be the first foreign country outside France to field the Rafale fighter jet. Dassault Rafale was previously used exclusively by the French Air Force and Navy. A small quantity has been for sale to Brazil.

Dassault Rafale beats its competitor Eurofighter Typhoon, Rusia Mig-35, US F-16 Falcon, US F-18 Hornet and Swedish Saab Gripen.

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