India To Evaluate Rafale for Navy

In an expected move, the Indian government has directed the Navy to undertake detailed briefings with Dassault Aviation regarding the Rafale aircraft.
An Indian Defence Ministry source said the government wants commonalities between logistics and spares for fighters with the Navy and Air Force.
A detailed briefing on Rafale for the Indian Navy is planned for Jan. 29.
A Navy official said the service needs 54 fighter aircraft but refused to say if Rafale has been shortlisted.
Meanwhile, French President Francois Hollande will arrive in India Jan. 24 along with French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian to sign the protocol agreement (an inter-governmental agreement ) on purchase of 36 Rafales and a formal agreement will be signed in New Delhi Jan. 25.
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