As per the India-France Joint Statement issued by the two countries during the Prime Minister’s visit to France, Government of India conveyed to the Government of France that in view of the critical operational necessity for Multirole Combat Aircraft for Indian Air Force (IAF), Government of India would like to acquire 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition as quickly as possible. The two leaders agreed to conclude an Inter-Governmental Agreement for supply of the aircraft on terms that would be better than conveyed by Dassault Aviation as part of a separate process underway; the delivery would be in time-frame that would be compatible with the operational requirement of IAF, and that the aircraft and associated systems and weapons would be delivered on the same configuration as had been tested and approved by IAF; and with a longer maintenance responsibility by France.
This information was given by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar in a written reply to Shri Anto Antony in Lok Sabha today.