Rafale International will showcase three Rafale fighters of the French Air Force, one single-seat Rafale C and two two-seat Rafale B to perform a daily flight ‘solo’ in the Asia’s premier air show Aero India 2019 to be held at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, Karnataka from February 20 to 24.
The Rafale deal to purchase 36 combat jets by the NDA government had attracted political debate with opposition Congress party accusing BJP of favouring private players within in India and ignoring the capabilities of homegrown aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
The Company said in a release here on Monday that Rafale International booth and in addition to the static display, a scale 1:5 Rafale mock up with the Indian colors will pay tribute to the arrival of the aircraft in the Indian Air Force at the end of this year and to the commitment of the team to fulfil the requests of the competition for the acquisition of additional 114 combat aircraft.
A scale 1:10 Rafale M mock-up will be as well displayed to present capabilities of the Rafale variant for Navy, as the aircraft is taking part in the tender of 57 aircraft to equip Indian Navy.
A scale 1:10 Mirage 2000 I/TI mock-up will salute the success of the upgrade of the Mirage 2000 legendary aircraft of the Indian Air Force. A holographic illustration of the long history of Dassault Aviation aircraft and India, starting with the Toofani, followed by the Mystere IV, the naval Alize, the Jaguar (manufactured under license by HAL), and the Mirage 2000, will illustrate the strategic partnership maintained between India and France and the relationship of trust initiated in 1953 when India became Dassault Aviation’s first export customer.
On a space dedicated to the ‘Make in India’ commitment of Dassault Aviation, the first massive Falcon 2000 cockpit coming out of the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited facility at MIHAN, Nagpur, will be showcased before being sent to Dassault Aviation’s Falcon final assembly line in France.
This major segment of the world Class Falcon 2000 Bizjet highlights Dassault Aviation’s determination to build up an Indian aerospace manufacturing ecosystem, matching the highest standards in this field and positioning India as an international reference in the global aerospace market.
“The technological know-how and competences of Dassault Aviation and its partners, Thales and Safran Aircraft Engines are entirely dedicated to partner India in meeting its strategic Defence and economic needs. Participating at Aero India and more widely, establishing ourselves in India with a view to developing wide-ranging cooperation under the “Make in India” policy, means renewing our vows with India after more than six decades of common history and a bright future ahead. ” Said Eric Trappier, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Dassault Aviation.
Rafale International, is honored and delighted to pay tribute to India on the Indian ground and in the Indian skies, the company release added.
