NEW DELHI: Indian officials have cleared the proposed purchase of $39 billion worth of defence equipment, including more Rafale jets, the defence ministry said on Thursday, days ahead of a visit by France´s President Emmanuel Macron.
A defence ministry source told AFP that the decision covers the purchase of 114 French Rafale fighter jets, adding to a few dozen already ordered for the Indian Air Force.
New Delhi has sought over the past decade to reduce its dependence on Russia, its traditional main supplier of military equipment, turning to other countries while pushing to boost domestic production.
A defence ministry statement that did not specify the number of jets under the proposed deal said that “the majority” of them would be manufactured in India.
Media reports in India, citing unnamed government sources, suggested Dassault Aviation could manufacture at least 90 jets in the country under the deal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi´s government has considered such a major order of multi-role fighter aircraft for years, pushing all potential suppliers to transfer technology and manufacturing to India. The defence ministry statement said the procurement would enhance the air force´s “dominance” and “deterrence capabilities... with long range offensive strikes”.
The purchase was approved by the defence acquisition council, which comprises top military officers and the defence minister, and can now move to commercial negotiations.
