France has reportedly placed an order for 28 Rafale jets with Dassault for €2 billion, a fact that has set the cat among pigeons in relation to the cost of the 36 Rafale jets ordered by India.
Ashok Swain, an associate professor at Sweden’s Uppsala university tweeted, “France is paying €2 billion for 28 upgraded Rafale aircraft. Per aircraft, the price is €82 million. India is paying €7.8 billion for 36 Rafale aircraft. Per aircraft, the price is €216 million. Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Anil Ambani Ki Jai!”
France is paying €2 billion for 28 upgraded Rafale aircraft. Per aircraft, the price is €82 million.
India is paying €7.8 billion for 36 Rafale aircraft. Per aircraft, the price is €216 million.
Bharat Mata Ki Jai! Anil Ambani Ki Jai!https://t.co/5qux1tAcKi— Ashok Swain (@ashoswai) January 15, 2019
According to a Navytimes report, the 28 Rafale jets which are to be validated from 2024, will have the latest F4 functionalities, like upgraded radar sensors and weaponry.
Further breaking down the differences between the Indian and French orders of the Rafale jets, journalist Ravi Nair pointed out that the France had paid around half the price for the improved aircraft, even as India would be getting the bare F3 technology version for a much higher price
1/ Big News: French government signed a €2 billion contract with Dassault Aviation for 28 Rafale aircraft on 14 January 2019. These aiercraft will be the latest F4 configuration. It is almost half the price what Modi govt is paying for bare F3 version + https://t.co/QbszFpNRHS
— Ravi Nair (@t_d_h_nair) January 15, 2019
The Congress party, which has been demanding a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) probe into the alleged irregularities in the deal, also questioned the huge price difference.
India is paying Euro 7.8 billion for 36 Rafale aircraft.
France is paying Euro 2 billion for 28 upgraded Rafale aircraft.
Can the person with Entire Political Science degree do the math? #ChowkidarChorHaihttps://t.co/n8SPQ6ljF4— Congress (@INCIndia) January 15, 2019
The Narendra Modi government is facing intense scrutiny as it refuses to disclose material facts or explain alleged procedural lapses pertaining to the deal.
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