Tag: Rafale

French Rafales, marching contingent take part in 75th Republic Day parade

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Two Rafale fighter jets flanked by a multi-role tanker transport aircraft of the French Space and Air Force roared through Delhi’s sky as India celebrated its 75th Republic Day at a grand parade on Friday, January 26, with French President Emmanuel Macron gracing it as the chief guest.

As soon as around 95 French troops marched down the Kartavya Path at the heart of the national capital, the whizzing warplanes pierced the morning sky making thousands of spectators crane their necks in wonder.

A 30-member band contingent from France also drew attention at the grand parade.

It was the second time the French armed forces participated in India’s Republic Day celebrations. In 2016, French troops became the first foreign military contingent to participate in the biggest ceremonial event of the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the guest of honour at the prestigious Bastille Day Parade in Paris in July last year.

The Indian Air Force’s Rafale fighter jets and a tri-services marching contingent took part in the Bastille Day parade.

“This reciprocal invitation to national day celebrations is unprecedented, and shows the deep mutual trust and unwavering friendship underpinning Indo-French ties,” a French readout said on India inviting Macron to the Republic Day celebrations.

The French military contingent that participated in the parade comprised six Indians. It was led by Captain Noel Louis.

The contingent belonged to the Corps of French Foreign Legion.

The French Foreign Legion is an elite military corps that is open to foreigners who want to serve in the French Army.

Set up in 1831, the French Foreign Legion is an integral part of the French Army. At present, it has almost 9,500 officers and legionnaires.

The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years.

The two strategic partners have been looking at co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries.

The two sides are also expanding cooperation in the maritime domain including in the Indian Ocean Region.

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Watch | Mid-air refuelling of MIG 29, Rafale fighter jets of Egyptian Air Force by IAF IL-78 tanker

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently conducted air-to-air refuelling operations for the Egyptian Air Force during the ongoing BRIGHT STAR-23 Exercise. The exercise, which commenced on August 27, 2023, at Cairo (West) Air Base in Egypt, has been a platform for fostering global defence cooperation and strengthening strategic relations among participating nations.

The footage of the exercise, which was shared by the news agency ANI on social media platform X (previously Twitter), shows the IL-78 tanker refilling MiG-28 and Rafale aircraft mid-air.

#WATCH | An IL-78 tanker of the Indian Air Force refuels Mig 29 M and Rafale fighters of the Egyptian Air Force as part of Ex Bright Star 23. IAF Mig 29 UPG also seen as part of this mission. pic.twitter.com/53eZT4dFdd

— ANI (@ANI) September 12, 2023

The IAF announced yesterday that Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 had entered its final phase. The last phase, which comes after a build-up to complex combined missions, will require the resources of all participating forces.

Exercise #BrightStar 23 moves on to its culmination phase.

The last phase follows a build up to more complex joint missions and will involve assets of all participating forces. @indembcairo#DiplomatsInFlightSuits pic.twitter.com/iTQYk6e7dO

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) September 11, 2023

During Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 last week, an Egyptian Air Force aircraft was refuelled mid-air by an Indian Air Force (IAF) IL-78, according to the IAF. “Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled fighter jets from the Egyptian Air Force,” the IAF claimed.

Showcasing the bonds of friendship in the skies over Egypt during Exercise Bright Star, where the Indian Air Force IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft refuelled aircraft from the Egyptian Air Force: Indian Air Force pic.twitter.com/AHiptoARwd

— ANI (@ANI) September 3, 2023

The IAF’s participation in Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 marks its debut in this biennial multilateral tri-service event. This year’s exercise has seen the involvement of air force contingents from various nations, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Greece and Qatar.

According to reports, the Indian Air Force contingent, comprising five MiG-29s, two IL-78s, two C-130s, and two C-17 aircraft, has played an essential role in executing joint operations and strengthening international bonds. IAF’s Garud Special Forces and Squadrons Numbers 28, 77, 78, and 81 actively participated in the exercise, an IAF official said according to the report.

Exercise BRIGHT STAR-23 scheduled to continue until September 16, 2023, has not only provided an opportunity for military collaboration but also showcased the diplomatic role of the IAF abroad.

The Indian Air Force’s involvement in such international exercises is seen as a vital step towards building stronger relations between nations and fostering cooperation in the defence sector.

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India selects naval version of Rafale, says Dassault Aviation

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Indian government announced the selection of the naval variant of Rafale jets to equip the Indian Navy with the latest-generation fighter, Dassault Aviation, a French aerospace major and maker of the aircraft, said on Saturday.

The defence ministry had on Thursday approved the purchase of 26 Rafale (marine) jets from France.

There was no mention of the procurement of Rafale jets in a document released following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday.

“The Indian Government announced the selection of the Navy Rafale to equip the Indian Navy with a latest-generation fighter,” Dassault Aviation said in a statement.

It said the decision came after a “successful trial campaign held in India, during which the Navy Rafale demonstrated that it fully met the Indian Navy’s operational requirements and was perfectly suited to the specificities of its aircraft carrier”.

“The Indian Navy’s 26 Rafale will eventually join the 36 Rafale already in service, which are giving full satisfaction to the Indian Air Force, making India the first country to make the same military choice as France by operating both versions of the aircraft to help consolidate its superiority in the air and on the seas and guarantee its sovereignty,” it said.

India is procuring the Rafale jets for deployment on the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

The French defence major said Rafale’s selection confirms the excellence of the jet and its “exceptional quality of the link between Dassault Aviation and the Indian forces and the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France”.

“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our partnership with the Indian Forces, I would like to thank the Indian authorities for this new mark of confidence and pledge, on behalf of Dassault Aviation, that we will fully meet the Indian Navy’s expectations with the Rafale,” said Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

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Modi in France Highlights | Defence ties have always been the basic foundation of our relations, says Indian PM

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday participated in Paris’ Bastille Day parade and had lunch with the National Assembly President. He is on a 2-day official visit where India is expected to sign the Rafale jets deal with France. Next on his schedule, is a visit to the Louvre and Élysée Palace, along with interactions with several thought leaders. Catch Highlights on Modi in France here:

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India approves procurement of 26 Rafale jets from France ahead of PM Modi’s visit

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Confirming CNBC-TV18’s exclusive report from yesterday, India’s defence ministry on Thursday approved the proposed procurement of 26 Rafale marine aircraft. The Defence Acquisition Council under Union Minister Rajnath Singh’s chairmanship also cleared the acquisition of three additional Scorpene submarines.

This development comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi begins a two-day visit to Paris. While in France, Modi is expected to announce these mega defence projects after wide-ranging talks with President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Friday.

An exclusive report by CNBC-TV18 on Wednesday shared that the Defence Procurement Board (DPB) had approved a proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighters for the Indian Navy. The story also reported that Mazagon Docks Ltd. would build the three Scorpene submarines which received initial approval.

ALSO READ | Defence Procurement Board approves proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighters, three Scorpene submarines: Exclusive

The DAC’s approval of the projects comes after a meeting that took place today, July 13, a week after the projects were cleared by the DPB.

The Indian Navy is looking for procurement of these 26 deck-based fighter jets for the indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

After a lengthy process, the Navy had narrowed down on Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and French aerospace major Dassault Aviation’s Rafale M aircraft for procurement.

Later, Rafale-M, the naval variant of the lethal jet, emerged as the winner in the tight race.  India has already procured 36 Rafale jets from France for the Indian Air Force.

ALSO READ | Defence stocks like Mazagon Dock, Bharat Dynamics rally up to 9% anticipating Rafale, Scorpene deals

The Rafale jets are India’s first major acquisition of fighter planes in 23 years after the Sukhoi jets were imported from Russia.

Under Project 75, six Scorpene submarines have already been made in India. The sixth Scorpene submarine, Vaghsheer, was launched in April last year and undertook its first sea sortie in May this year.

With agency inputs.

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Defence stocks like Mazagon Dock, Bharat Dynamics rally up to 9% anticipating Rafale, Scorpene deals

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Defence sector stocks rallied up to 9 percent on Tuesday on reports that the Defence Procurement Board has approved a proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighters and Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy.

Sources with knowledge of the matter told CNBC-TV18 that under the proposal, three additional submarines would be built at Mazagon Docks. The defence PSU has already built other submarines of the class.

A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council will be held on Thursday, July 13, to decide on the final approval for the deals.

The deals to acquire 26 Rafale fighters and Scorpene submarines are expected to be announced during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to France on July 13-14.

Defence PSU stocks have surged following CNBC-TV18’s report.

Mazagon Dock in particular have surged as much as 10 percent to Rs 1,584.4. The stock is trading at a record high and has gained nearly 20 percent over the last three trading sessions.

The stock of Mazagon Dock has added over Rs 5,500 crore to its market capitalisation over the last three trading sessions.

Besides Mazagon Dock, shares of Bharat Dyamics also gained as much as 6 percent to Rs 1,144.3, snapping a three-day losing streak in the process.

Shares of Cochin Shipyard are trading with gains of as much as 7 percent and are up for the fifth day in a row. The stock is also nearing its 52-week high of Rs 687.

Stocks like Bharat Electronics and Astra Microwave are also trading with gains of 2 percent each.

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Defence Procurement Board approves proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighters, three Scorpene submarines: Exclusive

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The Defence Procurement Board has approved a proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighters for the Indian Navy, sources with knowledge of the matter told CNBC-TV18.

A proposal to acquire three Scorpene submarines has also received initial approval, the sources said. The three additional submarines will be built at Mazagon Docks Ltd., where other submarines of the class have been built.

Sources further said that the meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council will take place on Thursday, July 13, to decide on the final approval of the deals. Both these deals could be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on July 13-14.

The Prime Minister will embark on a two-day visit to the European nation and will also be the guest of honour at the Bastille Day Parade.

A contingent of the Indian military will also participate in the parade, including troops from the Indian Army’s Punjab Regiment, the Indian Navy and the Indian Air Force.

Mazagon Dock, in December last year, delivered the fifth Scorpene Submarine “VAGIR” of Project P-75 to the Indian Navy. The Vagir was launched in November 2020 and has undergone tests and trials for over a year before delivery. Before Vagir, the company had delivered submarines namely Kalvari, Khanderi, Karanj, and Vela.

The sixth Scorpene submarine, Vaghsheer, was launched in April last year and undertook its first sea sortie in May this year.

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Republic Day 2023 parade concludes with a mega air show involving Sukhoi 30 and Rafale | WATCH

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India’s republic day celebration concluded with a grand flypast on Thursday. Spectators at Kartavya Path seemed to be in awe as vintage, as well as modern aircraft and helicopters, roared in the skies. Thunder was felt across the region as Sukhoi-30, C17 aircraft and Rafale flew past, making different formations.

As many as 50 aircraft and helicopters of the three forces — Air, Navy, and Army — were on display as the Republic Day celebration in Delhi drew to an end. The air warriors exhibited their aerobatics and professional skills. Here’s a glimpse of the mega air show that marked this year’s Republic Day celebrations:

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> Trishul formation with three Sukhoi 30 MarkI aircraft

Trishul formation comprising three Su-30 MKI air superiority fighters. pic.twitter.com/KGOiLWGD13

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> Prachand formation, which comprised an LCH AC in lead with two Apache Helicopters and Two ALH Mk-IV ac in echelon flew in five ac Arrow Formation.

The All Attack Helicopter #Prachand formation with the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter #Prachand in the center followed by the AH 64 Apache and indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter Mk IV #Rudra at the flanks. pic.twitter.com/M1csjSGtPd

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) January 26, 2023

> A Tiranga formed by five Sarang (ALH) flew in the Ladder Formation and streamed the Tricolour. Comprising a Dakota ac in lead with two Dornier ac in echelon, a Tangail was formed that flew in ‘vic’ formation.

#Tiranga formation comprising of 5 #MadeInIndia Advanced Light Helicopter Mk I of the #Sarang helicopter display team of the @IAF_MCC @rajnathsingh@AjaybhattBJP4UK@giridhararamane@PIB_India @indianrdc pic.twitter.com/sPrBonl8nZ

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) January 26, 2023

> Baaz Formation comprising three Mig 29 Multirole Fighters.

Baaz Formation comprising three Mig 29 Multirole Fighters. pic.twitter.com/GY7MNngmDT

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> Netra Formation comprising an AEW&C – Netra in the centre flanked by four Rafale multi-role fighters

Netra Formation comprising a AEW&C – Netra in the center flanked by four Rafale multi role fighters. pic.twitter.com/KfHQOHZ4GQ

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> Vajraang formation comprising a C-130 Super Hercules Transport Aircraft in the centre flanked by two Rafale multirole fighters on either side.

Vajraang formation comprising a C 130 Super Hercules Transport Aircraft in the center flanked by two Rafale multirole fighters on either side. pic.twitter.com/7nb5c7pGYn

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> “Bheem” formation comprising a C-17 Heavy Lift Transport aircraft flanked by two Sukhoi-30 MKI Air Superiority fighters. The formation was led by Group Captain AK Patnaik.

Bheem Formation comprising a C 17 Heavy Lift Transport aircraft flanked by two Su 30 MKI Air Superiority fighters. pic.twitter.com/jG9QdgRgWl

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> ‘Amrit’ formation with six Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 2023 Republic Day. It was led by Group Caption NP Verma.

Amrit Formation comprising six Jaguar Deep Penetration Strike Aircraft of the IAF pic.twitter.com/a2GL7GdfCQ

— HQ Western Air Command, IAF (@hqwaciaf) January 26, 2023

> Vijay formation, comprising of a single Rafale multirole fighter, was led by Group Captain R Kataria.

#Vijay formation comprising of a single Rafale multirole fighter.@rajnathsingh@AjaybhattBJP4UK@giridhararamane@IAF_MCC @PIB_India @indianrdc pic.twitter.com/m8Pwy6SdCS

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) January 26, 2023

> Dhwaj formation comprising of 4 Mi 17 IV Medium Lift Helicopters of the IAF

Dhwaj formation comprising of 4 Mi 17 IV Medium Lift Helicopters of the #IAF.@rajnathsingh@AjaybhattBJP4UK@giridhararamane@IAF_MCC @PIB_India @indianrdc pic.twitter.com/YcZbBjKPEX

— A. Bharat Bhushan Babu (@SpokespersonMoD) January 26, 2023

Apart from the thrilling flypast, the Republic Day parade was marked by state tableaux, made-in-India weapons show and regiment marches. A contingent of Egyptian military also marched on the Kartavya Path on Thursday.

Republic day in India is celebrated every year on January 26. In 1950, India became a republic and was no longer under the rule of the British Empire. The constitution of India was adopted on this day, which is the framework for citizens to follow when it comes to fundamental rights.

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3 Rafale fighters with Indian enhancements to land in Feb; last one arrives in April

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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India will receive the last four Rafale fighter jets starting February this year. The multirole twin-engine fighter jets will be fitted with Indian enhancements and arrive in fly-away condition. Three of the fighter jets will arrive on February 1-2, depending on the weather conditions, while the last fighter will arrive in April. The jets will set flight from the Istres-Le Tube Air Base, North-West of Marseille in southern France. They will be refuelled mid-air by Airbus multi-role transport tankers of the United Arab Emirates Air Force.

Why the last fighter will arrive nearly two months later than the other three is not yet known, but the jet, in particular, is the first Dassault Rafale which was used to train Indian pilots once deliveries had started. Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar had inspected the fighter at the Istres-Le Tube Air Base, during his visit to France in December 2021.

Also read: Induction of Rafale aircraft into Indian Air Force by 2022: IAF Chief

While the exact specifications of the “Indian enhancements” are not known, reports have stated that the Rafale jets will come bearing “long-range Meteor air-to-air missile, low band frequency jammers, advanced communication systems, more capable radio altimeter, radar warning receiver, high altitude engine start-up, synthetic aperture radar, ground moving target indicator and tracking, missile approach warning systems and very high-frequency range decoys,” reported The Hindustan Times.

The four jets are the last of the 36 aircraft bought during the deal made between France and India in 2016. The deal also includes the option of purchasing a further 18 Rafales at an inflation-adjusted price.

Amid tensions with China in the past few years, reports had indicated that India was considering purchasing around 36 more Rafales to bolster its combat strength. The country was reportedly considering floating a new tender for getting 114 multi-role combat aircraft, after the delivery of the first 36 Rafales. No information about any future acquisitions has, however, emerged in the past two years.

Also read: France begins judicial probe into Rafale deal with India: French media

The IAF will be inspecting the four aircraft to ensure that the enhancements and original equipment are up to their standards. The remaining 32 Rafales will then be retrofitted with the same specific enhancements, with the equipment that is being stored with the IAF. The retrofitting exercise will be undertaken at the Hashimara Air Base in the Eastern Sector.

In response to India’s Rafales, Pakistan bought 25 multirole J-10C fighter jets from its all-weather ally China. While Pakistan already has a fleet of US-made F-16s, it was looking for an answer to India’s latest defence purchase.

Also read: UAE buys 80 French-made Rafale warplanes

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow