Indian Rafale Fighters May Come ‘Slightly Earlier’ Than 36 Months: Indian Minister

The delivery of the 36 Rafale fighters India has ordered from France may arrive ‘slightly earlier’ than the scheduled time of 36 months, Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar said.

“As per terms of the deal it is 36 months (during which the delivery has to start), but it may come slightly earlier. We have requested them to (deliver it) as fast as possible,” Defence minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday.

India and France signed the €7.87-billion deal on 23 September. The fighter jets will come equipped with latest missiles and weapon system besides multiple specific modifications to suit Indian Air Force.

The ‘vanila price’ (just of the aircraft alone) will cost about €91 million each for a single seater and about €94 million for a two seater trainer aircraft.