Will President Murmu Experience a Rafale Fighter Jet Sortie in Ambala Today?
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Synopsis
On October 29, President Droupadi Murmu is gearing up for an exciting sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station, showcasing India's growing military capabilities. This visit underscores her role as Supreme Commander and highlights the future of indigenous fighter aircraft manufacturing in India.
Key Takeaways
- President Droupadi Murmu to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet.
- Ambala Air Force Station is the venue for this significant event.
- India plans to establish a Rafale Assembly Line for indigenous production.
- The Indian Air Force aims to procure 114 fighter aircraft soon.
- Job creation is expected to exceed 1,200 positions through this initiative.
New Delhi, Oct 29 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to visit Ambala, Haryana on Wednesday, where she will embark on a thrilling sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station. This visit is significant as the President, who serves as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, previously took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on April 8, 2023.
It is also noteworthy that the Rafale was utilized during 'Operation Sindoor'.
Earlier this month, IANS reported that Dassault Aviation of France is planning to establish a Rafale Assembly Line in India, targeting orders from the Indian Navy and Air Force.
Sources indicate that India could soon become the first nation to manufacture a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft without being an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Currently, Dassault has an order backlog of nearly 200 Rafales, which includes pending deliveries for 80 aircraft to the UAE, 42 to Indonesia, 12 to Croatia, 54 to Egypt, 24 to Greece, 36 to Qatar, and a potential 26 for the Indian Navy.
With its present capacity capped at 24 aircraft annually, there is a compelling case for Dassault to set up an additional production line at its joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) in India.
India represents a substantial market, and the Indian Air Force is looking to procure 114 fighter aircraft, with a Request For Proposal expected within the next six months. This could be among the largest fighter aircraft orders globally.
Furthermore, the Indian Navy is anticipated to finalize an order for 26 aircraft within the next six months, with deliveries commencing in 2027.
Sources previously mentioned that the Rafale manufacturing line at DRAL, located in the MIHAN Special Economic Zone in Nagpur, will feature an additional half a million square feet of infrastructure distributed over four hangars, with production slated to begin in 2028.
The annual capacity is expected to be 24 aircraft, or two per month. At an estimated price of Rs 1,000 crore per aircraft in 2028, this will amount to annual sales of Rs 24,000 crore.
This expansion will necessitate an additional investment of approximately Rs 3,000 crore. In terms of job creation, DRAL is projected to employ over 600 personnel for the final assembly line of the Falcon 2000, and with the Rafale, this figure may exceed 1,200.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize this event as a landmark moment in India's defense strategy. President Droupadi Murmu's sortie in the Rafale fighter jet symbolizes the nation's commitment to strengthening its air capabilities and fostering indigenous production, marking a significant step in our defense sovereignty.
NationPress
30/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Rafale fighter jet?
The Rafale is a cutting-edge multi-role fighter jet that enhances the capabilities of the Indian Air Force, providing advanced technology and versatility in various combat scenarios.
When did President Murmu take her previous sortie?
President Murmu previously took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter aircraft on April 8, 2023, at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam.
What is the expected production capacity of the Rafale assembly line in India?
The Rafale assembly line in India is expected to have an annual production capacity of 24 aircraft, translating to two aircraft per month.
What are the future prospects for India's indigenous fighter aircraft production?
India is poised to become a major player in fighter aircraft manufacturing, aiming to produce 4.5 generation fighter jets and fulfilling significant orders for the Air Force and Navy.
How many job opportunities will the Rafale project create?
The Rafale project at DRAL is expected to create over 1,200 job opportunities, contributing to local employment and skill development.
