Aerospace

“Dassault Aviation in Talks to Acquire Reliance’s Stake in DRAL: A Boost for Rafale Production in India”

According to reports, Dassault Aviation, the French company that makes Rafale fighter jets, is in talks to acquire Reliance’s ownership part in the joint-venture manufacturing facility Dassault Reliance Aerospace Limited (DRAL), which is situated in Nagpur. This action follows the recent news that the Rafale-Ms has been chosen as the carrier-borne fighter for the Indian Navy, which was announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France.

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Due to budgetary restrictions, further factory growth has been put on hold, according to industry sources, although Dassault Aviation has already started talking with Reliance Defence about the acquisition. Dassault owns 49% of the joint venture, with Reliance Defence owning the remaining 51%.

The DRAL factory was first built to produce parts for Falcon aeroplanes and is located in Nagpur’s MIHAN Special Economic Zone. However, it has been said that Dassault Aviation is thinking of building Rafale fighter jet components at the plant for international clients. It is anticipated that Dassault Aviation will develop a special Rafale manufacturing plant in India if it wins the contract to build 114 aircraft for the Indian Air Force.

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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has a sanctioned strength of 42 Squadrons, but currently only has 31, including those of the ageing MiG 21s and Jaguar in addition to the MiG 29 — all of which will be decommissioned by 2029–2030. The 36 were purchased as an emergency measure to stop the sharp decline in numbers.

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Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

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The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

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PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

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The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.