114 Rafale Jets: India Sends Letter of Request to France
Why in the news
New Delhi formally approached Paris with a Letter of Request (LoR) for a very large fighter purchase for the Indian Air Force.
Key facts
- Document: Letter of Request sent by the Government of India to the Government of France.
- Type of deal: government-to-government.
- Quantity: 114 Rafale fighter aircraft.
- Value: roughly Rs.3.25 lakh crore.
- Local build: nearly 94 jets to be made in India by Dassault Aviation in partnership with an Indian company.
- Programme: Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA).
Significance
- Addresses the shrinking squadron strength of the Indian Air Force.
Exam angle
- Acronyms: LoR, MRFA, IAF.
- Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation; partner country: France.