Bengaluru: One of the main attractions at the AeroIndia 2017 will be Dassault Aviation's Rafale 'omnirole' fighter that was designed for nine specific roles: Air-defence/air-superiority, anti-access/air denial, reconnaissance, close air support, dynamic targeting, air-to-ground precision strike/interdiction, anti-ship attacks, nuclear deterrence, and buddy-buddy refuelling. It is one of the very few fighters with that diversity of roles.
India is buying 36 of Rafales, which can also play the role 'airborne strategic delivery system', which in simple English means they can carry nuclear bombs. The first squadron of Rafale that India will receive will be deployed on the Chinese border in the north-east and are set to be hardwired for nuclear delivery. India also has an option for 18 more aircraft which can be exercised in the future.
This acquisition illustrates the strategic relationship between India and France and marks the culmination of the relationship initiated in 1953 when India became Dassault Aviation's first export customer.
"Dassault Aviation, the Rafale manufacturer, has contributed proudly to India's defence preparedness for more than 60 years. Demonstrating the Rafale capabilities in Aero India, is reaffirming our total commitment to India's sovereignty. We have had a long standing relationship with Indian Air Force and industry and, thanks to the unmatched capabilities of the Rafale and to our full involvement in the innovative approach of the 'Make in India' initiative, we are entirely dedicated to partner India in meeting its strategic defence and economic needs," said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
Boeing to display large-scale models
Aerospace behemoth Boeing of the United States has limited its participation in Aero India 2017 to display of large-scale models and interactive displays to showcase the company's advanced commercial and defense products and services capabilities of interest to India. A KC-46A Air Refueling Operator System will be available to visitors for demonstrations. "Boeing's participation at the show will highlight its enduring defence and commercial footprint in India and demonstrate alignment with the 'Make in India' initiative," says a release. Experts from Boeing, however, will be on hand to discuss defence capabilities of military jets such as the F/A-18 Super Hornet, KC-46 tanker, C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I aircraft, AH-64D Apache, CH-47F Chinook, V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft and ScanEagle and Integrator unmanned airborne system.
