@PARIKRAMA won't comment on the RIL/MII speculation, I think it is far too early to be making links but it seems to be a step in the right direction (even though I am adverse to RIL's inclusion).
I would just like to discuss the past few pages regarding the delivery schedule. Many arguments for early delivery have centred around the fact that DA can theoretically step up production and thusspare capacity created for early Indian deliveries. However, if we think about this from a practical point of view, the production of the airframes is not the sole factor that will decide deliveries to India. We should not forget that as part of this deal €1.8BN is for Indian specific upgrades that include an as of yet untested/uncertified uprated engine and specific customer (India) nominated weapon/system integration work from third parties (BEL, RAFAEL, ELTA etc).
I'm sure the more informed members such as
@Picdelamirand-oil ,
@halloweene ,
@BON PLAN ,
@Taygibay Etc can comment further about these sorts of things do not and cannot happen overnight. There are set procedures in place that will take their own course, no amount of wishes from the Indian side will change that.
It would be interesting to learn how the Rafale's industrial partners (Dassualt, Safran, Thales etc) have been preparing for the Indian contract (if they have) as clearly the Indian deal is far more complex and exhaustive than any other export deal thus far and will demand vastly more work, it isn't a case of a simple off the shelf delivery of the French standards.
Furthermore, it's not as though the IAF will be ready to accept the Rafale overnight, they will take time to get their SQN personnel (pilots, ground handlers, munitions techs, maintainers etc etc) trained in entirely new systems and procedures not to mention to set up the requisite infrastructure to fly, service, support and operate such complex machinery. The Rafale isn't simply a "plug and play" system, the IAF will have to work very hard to integrate it into their force.
This takes even greater significance when one considers that this is not simply a typical commercial deal but a govt to govt agreement (IGA) with many strategic stipulations. For instance, the legally binding clause that holds the French liable to ensure at least 75% of India's Rafale fleet is available at any one time. The French aren't going to want to rush and make stokes that they are then culpable for later down the road.
I would like to get past the production aspect of the Rafale and delve a little deeper to understand the details that lay within the sale of such a system to an airforce. This is just as vital to consider.
Interview of DM MP with CNBCTV18
CNBC-TV18 @CNBCTV18Live 25m25 minutes ago
RS22000 cr export opportunity via Rafale deal for Indian industry;10% of Rafale deal value is related to Tech transfer
@manoharparrikar exl
/ [U
Discounting the traditional caveats when it comes to ToT (degree of and specifics) let's not let this tidbit go ignored. India is paying a 10% premium for "ToT"; is anyone seriously going to try and make the case now that the French have agreed to part with some of their Crown Jewels for "just" €800m and 36 jets?
The dots are emerging slowly, it won't be too long before the media starts to connect them (well, it might actually, credible journalism is almost non-existent these days across the world).