Rafale and Falcon on Prominent Display
Dassault Aviation’s focus during Aero India in Bangalore, 13-17 February, will be to highlight the length and depth of the relationship with India – the IAF being the company’s longest-standing export customer, flying Dassault aircraft for 70 years.
The acquisition contract for 36 Rafale – signed in 2016 – and the modernisation of the Mirage 2000 I/TI represent a continuation of this historic partnership. In the business aviation field, over 20 Falcons are in service in India, and growth prospects are promising. Dassault – and its partners – are contributing to the ‘Make in India’ policy through a vast procurement, training and industrial subcontracting network involving dozens of companies.
On display will be:
- Rafale C and Rafale Marine mock-ups – the latter a candidate for the Indian Navy’s carrier-borne fighter requirement;
- A Falcon 2000 front section built by in Nagpur;
- A Falcon 8X, with an almost 12,000km range and extreme versatility, the aircraft is particularly well-suited to local operating conditions, including high temperatures and altitudes.
“Dassault Aviation’s participation in [Aero India] 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,” commented Eric Trappier, Dassault Aviation Chairman and CEO.
