#Defence Ministry says, India closes deal for French fighter jets

New Delhi : Defence Ministry today said India was close to finalising a deal to buy 126 Rafale fighter planes for about $15 billion. It would be France’s first foreign sale of the combat-tested planes.

France and French manufacturer Dassault Aviation have been trying for years to sell the jets abroad.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian is currently visiting India .

Kar said the two Ministers discussed all Defence issues between their two countries and decided to resolve all outstanding issues, including Rafale, quickly. A French Defence official, who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly, also confirmed that the two Defence Ministers agreed to accelerate negotiations.

Bureau Report