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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)
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