Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor Meets French Counterpart Emmanuel Bonn; India to Receive First Rafale jet on September 20

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron during the G7 Summit and confirmed the delivery of Rafale, Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor held talks with French President’s advisor, Emmanuel bonne. The meeting was held on August 29, 2019 in New Delhi, after which NSA Doval validated that the delivery is due on September 20.

In an effort to strengthen its brigade of fighter jets and address urgent requirements on the eastern and western fronts, India signed the Rafale deal with the French Government and manufacturer Dassault Aviation in September 2016. According to the deal, India will receive 36 Rafale jets for Rs 59,000 crore.

Taking charge of the delivery, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the IAF Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa will be receiving the first Rafale jet from the manufacturer. Apart from from Ajit Doval, Indian National Security Advisor who has been at the forefront of the delivery confirmation, BS Dhanoa has also been very vocal about the purchasing of Rafale jets for national security.

In a press conference held last year, Dhanoa termed the deal as a “good package” and also said that the aircraft would be a “game changer” for the Indian subcontinent. The jet manufactured for India are also said to be more advanced than the ones with the French Air Force, and will continue to be used for training Indian pilots till May next year.

The two squadrons of the Aircraft will be deployed in Ambala, Haryana and Hashimara, Bengal by the Indian AirForce.

Source: The Voice of Nation

Image Courtesy: BharathShakthi