Will President Murmu Experience a Rafale Fighter Jet Sortie at Ambala Air Force Station on October 29?
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Synopsis
On October 29, President Droupadi Murmu is set to take a thrilling sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at Ambala Air Force Station. This visit highlights India's growing capabilities in defense aviation and the strategic importance of the Rafale aircraft.
Key Takeaways
- President Murmu to take a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet.
- Ambala Air Force Station is the chosen location for this event.
- India may soon produce 4.5 generation fighter aircraft locally.
- Dassault Aviation plans to expand operations in India.
- Significant orders for fighter aircraft are expected from both the Air Force and Navy.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) President Droupadi Murmu is set to arrive in Ambala, Haryana on October 29 where she will embark on a sortie in a Rafale fighter jet at the Ambala Air Force Station.
It's noteworthy that the President, serving as the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, previously took a sortie in a Sukhoi 30 MKI fighter jet at the Tezpur Air Force Station in Assam on April 8, 2023.
The Rafale has been utilized in critical missions, including Operation Sindoor.
Earlier this month, reports indicated that Dassault Aviation from France is planning to establish a Rafale Assembly Line in India, aimed at catering to the needs of the Indian Navy and Air Force.
Insider sources suggest that India could soon be the first nation to manufacture a 4.5 generation fighter aircraft without being an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
Dassault currently has a backlog of nearly 200 Rafales, including orders for 80 aircraft for UAE, 42 for Indonesia, 12 for Croatia, 54 for Egypt, 24 for Greece, 36 for Qatar, and a potential 26 for the Indian Navy.
Reports indicate that with an annual production capacity capped at 24 aircraft, there is a compelling need for Dassault to launch an additional line at its joint venture, Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL) in India.
India represents a significant market, with the Indian Air Force preparing to acquire 114 fighter aircraft. The Request For Proposal for this project is anticipated within the next six months, marking one of the largest fighter aircraft procurements globally.
The Indian Navy is also expected to finalize an order for 26 aircraft within the next six months, with deliveries projected to commence in 2027.
Previous reports indicated that the Rafale manufacturing line at DRAL, MIHAN Special Economic Zone in Nagpur would expand with an additional 500,000 square feet of infrastructure across four hangars, with production slated to begin in 2028.
The proposed annual capacity aims for 24 aircraft annually, translating to Rs 1,000 crore per aircraft in 2028, resulting in Rs 24,000 crore in yearly sales.
This expansion will necessitate an investment nearing Rs 3,000 crore. In terms of job creation, DRAL will employ over 600 personnel for the final assembly line for the Falcon 2000, which could increase to over 1,200 with the addition of Rafale production.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize this moment as a significant milestone for India's defense sector. The visit of President Murmu to experience the Rafale underscores our commitment to strengthening national security and advancing our capabilities in military aviation. This aligns with our vision of becoming a self-reliant defense power.
NationPress
28/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of President Murmu's sortie in a Rafale?
President Murmu's sortie represents a strong commitment to enhancing India's defense capabilities and showcases the operational readiness of the Rafale aircraft.
Where will the Rafale sortie take place?
The Rafale sortie will take place at the Ambala Air Force Station in Haryana.
What is the current backlog of Rafale orders?
Currently, Dassault Aviation has a backlog of approximately 200 Rafale aircraft, with orders from various countries including the UAE, Egypt, and Greece.
What is the expected timeline for the Rafale manufacturing line in India?
The Rafale manufacturing line at Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited is expected to commence production in 2028.
How many fighter aircraft is the Indian Air Force looking to acquire?
The Indian Air Force is looking to acquire 114 fighter aircraft, with a Request For Proposal expected in the next six months.
