By NewsGram Staff Writer

Dassault's Indian partner, under the Rafale contract has delivered India, two refitted Mirage fighter jet out of 51 at a ceremony at the Istres airbase in southern France.

The contract signed in 2011, worth 1.4 billion euros or Rs. 9571 crores is to be shared by Thales and Dassault reported the French business website LaTribune.fr.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Dassault's Indian partner, under the Rafale contract will upgrade the rest of the 51 jets, stated the deal.

Dassault CEO Eric Trappier said, "India is Dassault Aviation's top export customer and the historical ties we have maintained with the Indian air force for 60 years continue to strengthen."

Referring to negotiations that began in January 2012 for the sale of 126 fighter planes worth $12 billion or Rs. 74 thousand crores, Trappier said that Rafale would be the next logical step. According to the idea, HAL would build 108 fighters under technology transfer agreements while Dassault would supply 18 of the twin-engine multirole fighters later this year.

India was Dassault's first export client with the transfer of the Ouragon fighter jet in 1953. To spur the country's manufacturing sector Prime Minister Narendra Modi is advocating the 'Make in India' policy.