DefenceTalkSAINT-CLOUD, France: On 20 March 2017, the French Minister for Defense, Mr. Jean-Yves Le Drian, authorized the start of development of the new RAFALE F4 standard. Dassault Aviation and the 500 French companies associated with the RAFALE program wish to thank the French Ministry of Defense, the Defense procurement agency (DGA), the French Air Force […]https://www.defencetalk.com/dassault-aviation-launches-development-of-the-new-rafale-f4-standard-69571/

DefenceTalkThe Indian Navy has launched a global search for maritime fighter jets it plans to operate from future aircraft carriers and is awaiting response from top military contractors on what they have to offer. The navy wants 57 multi-role carrier-borne fighters (MRCBF) and the potential order could get bigger with an option clause to buy […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-18-rafale-or-gripen-indian-navy-looks-for-its-next-fighter-jet-69419/

DefenceTalkWorldwide arms trade has risen to its highest level since the Cold War in the last five years, driven by a demand from the Middle East and Asia, a study said Monday. Between 2012-2016, arms imports in terms of volume by countries in Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global imports, a 7.7 […]https://www.defencetalk.com/global-arms-trade-highest-since-cold-war-study-69184/

DefenceTalkThe new-generation TALIOS (TArgeting Long-range Identification Optronic System) laser targeting pod has successfully completed its 1st flight on a Rafale. Operated by Dassault Aviation at the Istres base as part of the F3R program, the prototype took off on July 27, mounted on a single-seater aircraft, for a flight lasting over 2 hours. This test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/talios-laser-target-pod-flies-on-rafale-fighter-jet-for-first-time-68396/

DefenceTalkFrench fighter jets took off from the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle on Friday for an operation against the Islamic State group in its Iraqi stronghold of Mosul, an officer said. Eight jets took off from the carrier in the eastern Mediterranean, an AFP photographer on the flight deck reported. The Charles de Gaulle is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/french-fighter-jets-on-mission-against-isis-in-mosul-68263/

DefenceTalkWith the deal for 36 Rafale jets in kitty, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier today said the French company is game for the ‘Make in India’ initiative and open to manufacturing the fighter aircraft in India if the plane is shortlisted for a bigger order. He said that with the Indian contract going through, the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/open-to-manufacturing-rafale-in-india-dassault-ceo-68230/

DefenceTalkIndia may have just spent billions of dollars on hi-tech French fighter jets, but experts say it needs to do a lot more if it is going to face up to an increasingly assertive China. The world’s top defence importer has signed several big-ticket deals as part of a $100-billion upgrade since Hindu nationalist Prime […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-needs-more-than-rafale-jets-to-match-china-experts-68215/

DefenceTalkIndia signed a formal agreement Friday to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France’s Dassault for a reported $8.8 billion, one of its biggest defence deals in decades. India’s Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian signed the agreement at a ceremony in New Delhi after years of tortuous negotiations between […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-signs-8-8bn-deal-to-buy-36-french-rafale-fighter-jets-68212/

DefenceTalkDetails of the multi-billion euro contract for 36 Rafale fighter aircraft have been finalised and the government is now working on the inter-governmental agreement (IGA) with France. Government sources said the cost, offsets and service details have been finalised and now the effort is to firm up IGA as envisaged in a pact signed on […]https://www.defencetalk.com/india-finalizes-details-of-rafale-fighter-aircraft-contract-68149/

DefenceTalkThe multi-billion Euro deal for 36 Rafales moved a step closer to a decision as the file on the fighter jets has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office for final review and clearance. Defence sources said today the final report submitted by a team negotiating the much-anticipated Rafale deal with France has been cleared […]https://www.defencetalk.com/indian-rafale-deal-closer-to-a-decision-goes-for-final-review-68095/