India Approves US$40 Billion Defense Order Including French Rafale Jets

How India’s US$40 billion order for French Rafales will help local fighter jet makers

India’s approval on Thursday of a 3.6 trillion rupee (US$40 billion) purchase of defence equipment – including 114 French-made Rafale fighter jets – will significantly boost the capabilities of the country’s armed forces amid heightened tensions with Pakistan, analysts say. The move comes as the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) fighter squadron strength has declined to 29, well below the 42 considered essential in the event of simultaneous conflicts with Pakistan and China. French President Emmanuel...

By Biman Mukherji