NEW DELHI: The high-level delegation comprising all three French defence firms—Dassault aviation, MBDA and Thales—involved in the 36 Rafale fighter jet deal with the IAF have been camping in Delhi to straighten out the last minutes differences, if any, according to a top source in the government. After the defence ministry approved the recommendations of the committee negotiating the deal for the last 16 months, the file is now with the PMO for final vetting.
“The deal is making a headway and should be done in a week’s time,” said a defence source.
It is believed that the PMO is making a strong push to conclude the deal. The final report submitted by a team negotiating the Rafale deal was approved by the highest acquisition body headed by the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar in its last meeting in August.