French Aircraft Maker to Set Up Near Noida
French aerospace company Dassault Aviation is planning to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility near Noida, India. This facility will primarily cater to the Indian Air Force’s fleet of Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
New Company to Begin Operations in Six Months
The new entity, Dassault Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul India (DAMROI), is expected to start operations within six months. The company plans to gradually expand its activities in the future.
Posina Venkata Rao Appointed CEO
Dassault has appointed Posina Venkata Rao, a veteran in the company, as the CEO of DAMROI. Rao will oversee the operations and growth of the new facility.
India’s Growing Rafale Fleet and Potential for More
The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, India is negotiating a deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, which are designed for naval operations. These aircraft will be deployed on the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
Estimated Value of the Rafale Marine Deal
The deal for the Rafale Marine aircraft is estimated to be worth around ₹50,000 crore (approximately $6.1 billion).