Question : Rafale Fighter Aircraft Deal

(a) whether the Government is aware of the controversy regarding buying of Rafale fighter Aircrafts from France and also about the allegation that Dassault Aviation is being paid for more than the price earlier negotiated and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has adhered to the Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP) in signing the agreement of Rafale Fighter Aircraft with the Government of France and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government has signed the Rafale deal as a joint venture between Dassault Aviation and Reliance Defence Limited in place of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited;

(d) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government has sought expert’s advice / views in this regard;

(f) if so, the details thereof along with the weightage given to such expert’s advice / views in the said deal; and

(g) the steps taken by the Government to ensure transparent and corruption free defence deals in the country?

Answer given by the minister

MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN)
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(a) The allegations are motivated and baseless. The Government has bought the Rafale aircraft at better terms.

(b) Yes, Madam. The provisions of Defence Procurement Procedure have been followed and an Inter-Governmental Agreement was signed on 23rd September, 2016 after approval of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

(c) No, Madam.

(d) to (g): In view of (c) above, question does not arise.

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