India's significant step forward in defence sector; 'Make in India' radar for Rafale fighter jets

NEW DELHI: French aerospace giant Thales awarded a contract to SFO Technologies to manufacture complex wire structures for the radar used in Rafale fighter jets. The contract is for manufacturing wires for the RBE2 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. This is a major step in the localisation of advanced defence technologies under the 'Make in India' initiative.

The deal is part of Thales' 'Make in India' initiative to localise the production of high-value radar systems for the Indian Armed Forces. It follows the deal for 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy. The company said the new deal further strengthens Thales' long-standing partnership with the Indian defence sector.

This contract is expected to play a key role in developing advanced radar manufacturing capabilities in India. The country is making great strides in acquiring a new long-range Meteor air-to-air missile for its Rafale fighter jets. Reports from the defence sector say that the contract aims to increase the attack capability beyond the visual range of the IAF's flagship Rafale aircraft.