IAF asks French firm Dassault to integrate Indian weapons into Rafale fighter jets

Jul 23, 2023

New Delhi, July 23 (ANI): In a step that could be a big success for ‘Make in India’ in defence and also open global market for desi weapons, IAF has asked French firm, Dassault Aviation, to integrate indigenous weapons like 'Astra air' to air missiles on the Rafale combat aircraft. IAF also has plans to integrate multiple indigenous weapons including long-range glide bombs with the aircraft in the near future. In the view of capability, pricing of Indian weapon systems, there could be a big market for Indigenous weapons once they are integrated into the Rafale. The Indian weapon systems are already integrated into the Su-30 MKI combat aircraft along with the indigenous LCA Tejas. India operates 36 Rafale fighter jets and has already expressed intent to buy 26 Rafale marine aircraft. IAF top brass have been pushing for indigenous solutions for their war-fighting requirements to be self-reliant The Rafale is used by many countries including India, France, Egypt, Qatar. On the other hand, many others along with Greece, Croatia, UAE and Indonesia, have placed orders for these planes.