Schedule a Call Back
Dassault Aviation to establish MRO facility for Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters
Industry News- Aug 06,24
Safran is also considering manufacturing M-88 engines in India, contingent on substantial orders from the IAF.
Dassault Aviation is advancing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Mirage 2000 and Rafale fighters near Jewar International Airport, as reported by the source. This development supports local production of Rafale fighters to meet the Indian Air Force's (IAF) long-term requirement for approximately 100 twin-engine multi-role fighters over the next 20 years.
Despite political changes in France, both the Emmanuel Macron government and Dassault Aviation remain committed to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This effort includes sourcing components locally to meet the IAF's needs. Additionally, engine manufacturer Safran SA plans to establish an MRO facility for Rafale engines in Hyderabad expected to begin operations by 2025. Safran is also considering manufacturing M-88 engines in India, contingent on substantial orders from the IAF.
With HAL's LCA Mark II, set to replace the Mirage 2000, not anticipated until the mid-2020s, Rafale fighters will address immediate requirements and may even allow for exports. Dassault has begun sourcing titanium parts from Indian firms and is expanding its local supply chain. This move benefits both nations, especially given Dassault's backlog of around 300 fighter orders from various countries.
India's updated defence procurement policy stipulates that 114 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) will only be acquired from vendors who establish manufacturing units in India and engage in technology transfer and full production with local partners. While this policy may delay the MRFA acquisition, it aims to enhance India's defence manufacturing capabilities.
The MRFA deal, valued at about $20 billion, is one of the world's largest defence contracts. Competitors include Dassault’s Rafale, Boeing’s Super Hornet F/A-18, SAAB’s Gripen, Lockheed Martin’s F-21, Russian MiG-35, and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
India's Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighters equipped with Hammer and SCALP missiles, while negotiations are on-going for 26 Maritime Strike Rafales for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. The country has existing maintenance depots, repair facilities, and training simulators for Rafales at Ambala air base. The Modi government values France's stable licensing policy, reminiscent of Russia's long-term aircraft supplies to India.
The Indian government has seen success in its collaboration with US company GE Aerospace Defence and Systems, which will produce fighter jet engines in India with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). A recent deal allows GE to transfer 80% of its technology for F414 jet engines, set to power the Mk2 version of India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
To further boost defence manufacturing, the Indian government has raised the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) sectoral limit in defence to 74%. This move aims to attract more foreign investments and establish India as a hub for defence manufacturing.
India's strategic push to enhance its defence capabilities through local Rafale manufacturing aligns with the ‘Make in India’ initiative, fulfilling IAF’s requirements and positioning India as a potential exporter of advanced fighters.
(Source: Hindustan Times, ET, MSN)
Related Stories
Aerospace Defence
Igus Unveils Lubrication-free Ball Transfer Units for Aviation
The FAA-compliant solution from igus combines lightweight construction and high load capacity with permanently lubrication-free operation. Xiros hollow ball transfer units reduce weight in cargo air..
Read moreSmart Manufacturing
Bharat Forge secures aerospace engine contract from Pratt & Whitney Canada
Bharat Forge will manufacture critical aero-engine components in India under a long-term contract with Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Read moreAerospace Defence
The New Manufacturing Engine of Indian Aerospace
India’s aerospace sector is moving beyond assembly, building indigenous capabilities in precision engineering, avionics and advanced manufacturing to compete globally, writes Ashlin Rajan.
Read moreRelated Products
Hittco Tools Railway & Aerospace Precision That Moves Railways
Aerospace & Defence
HITTCO Tools Ltd offers a wide range of Hittco tools railway & aerospace precision that moves railways.
Read moreTroop Comforts revolutionises military gear with indigenous innovations
Aerospace & Defence
Troop Comforts Ltd (TCL), a state-owned defence corporation, has recently received a request for proposal (RFP) from the Northern Command of the Indian Army for its indigenously developed military gea Read more
latest News
Subscribe to iNoW
For Industry News on WhatsApp, Give a Miss Call on: +91 84228 74016
