CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Rafale has been marketed for export to several countries, and was selected for purchase by the Egyptian Air Force, the Indian Air Force, the Qatar Air Force, the Hellenic Air Force, the Croatian Air Force, the Indonesian Air Force and the United Arab Emirates Air Force.

Detailed explanation-2: -India and France had signed the inter-government agreement in 2016, under which Paris agreed to provide 36 Rafale fighter jets at a cost of around 60, 000 crore rupees to India.

Detailed explanation-3: -India and France had signed a €7.87 billion inter-governmental agreement (IGA) in September 2016 for 36 Rafale multi-role fighter jets in fly-away condition, following the surprise announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April 2015 citing “critical operational necessity” of the IAF.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Rafale deal controversy is a political controversy in India related to the purchase of 36 Rafale multirole fighter aircraft for a price estimated at €7.87 billion (₹58, 891 Crore) by the Defence Ministry of India from France’s Dassault Aviation.

Detailed explanation-5: -India has already procured 36 Rafale fighter jets for the IAF from Dassault Aviation at a cost of nearly Rs 60, 000 crore. Anirban Bhaumik, DHNS, New Delhi, Jan 05 2023, 21:59 ist. updated: Jan 05 2023, 22:08 ist.