India’s Rafale deal is leaving China rattled: Here’s why
The deal comes with the clause of 50 per cent offsets, which will be a bonanza for the domestic industry as it will lead to business worth at least 3 billion Euros and creating new jobs in India.(Representational image)
India’s move to buy 36 French Dassault Rafale jets has raised anxiety in India’s eastern neighbour China. State-run Global Times carried an article recently highlighting China’s worries about India’s increased military strength and how the nuclear-capable Rafales will add to India’s nuclear deterrence capability.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar commented on Sunday that India may start getting the jets a little earlier than planned. It highlights the urgent need for India to secure its borders with dominant fighter aircraft which offer nuclear deterrence capabilities. Furthermore, the Rafale, which will come equipped with the Beyond Visual Range Meteor Missiles, adds an edge to the Indian Air Force over China’s and Pakistan’s. Dassault has promised to deliver the full lot within 66 months with the first delivery planned at 36 months from the signing date. The Rafale squadrons will be able to attack enemy targets without even crossing into the enemy’s territory.