In the defense sector, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is Dassault’s longest-standing export customer and has been flying Dassault aircraft since 1953. The acquisition contract for 36 Rafale – signed in 2016 – and the modernization of the Mirage 2000 I/TI are a continuation of this historic partnership.
Following the Rafale contract, Dassault Aviation and its partners are also contributing to the “Make in India” policy, through a vast procurement, training and industrial subcontracting network involving dozens of companies, in accordance with our offset obligations.
Dassault Aviation presents the following at the Aero India Show:
- A Rafale C mock-up in Indian Air Force colors and a Rafale Marine mock-up. The Rafale Marine is a candidate for the renewal of the Indian Navy’s carrier-borne fighter fleet, under a tender issued by the Indian Government.
- A Falcon 2000 front section built by the Franco-Indian plant in Nagpur, under agreements signed subsequent to the Rafale contract.
- A Falcon 8X. With its range of nearly 12,000 km and its extreme versatility, this trijet – which enjoys a reputation for robustness and reliability – is particularly well-suited to the needs of Indian companies and to local operating conditions (high temperatures and altitudes).
“Dassault Aviation’s participation in the Aero India show is just the latest step in our 70-year partnership with India. It has always been our ambition and a source of pride to provide the Indian armed forces and Indian companies with the best equipment. We will do everything in our power to develop our industrial presence in this great country and meet its military and business aircraft needs, both today and for the future”, said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.