Indias Rafale deal belies strained procurement ability
September 26, 2016 10:09
More than a decade after they first started talks, India has finally inked an 8bn agreement to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France's Dassault. Last week's deal is one of the biggest weapons contracts New Delhi has ever signed and should plug a significant gap in the country's air force.
But, while the initial reaction might be relief, the protracted negotiations and the reduction of the deal to a third of its original size underscores the long-running problems with Indian defence procurement, an even more pressing concern given rising tensions with Pakistan.
And while Narendra Modi enjoys the credit for a deal he personally helped broker, the Indian prime minister must now also work out where he gets the 90 aircraft he chose not to buy. Read more
But, while the initial reaction might be relief, the protracted negotiations and the reduction of the deal to a third of its original size underscores the long-running problems with Indian defence procurement, an even more pressing concern given rising tensions with Pakistan.
And while Narendra Modi enjoys the credit for a deal he personally helped broker, the Indian prime minister must now also work out where he gets the 90 aircraft he chose not to buy. Read more
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