An employee at a Rafale manufacturing facility in France was allegedly caught engaging in espionage-like activity. This incident comes amid India’s approval of Rafale production under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, raising questions about security and defense cooperation.
Suspicious activity at the Rafale manufacturing facility in France (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Amid India's approval to manufacture Rafale fighter jets under the 'Make in India' initiative, reports of a serious security lapse have emerged from France. According to french media reports, an employee of Dassault Aviation, the Rafale manufacturer, was allegedly caught engaging in espionage-like activities within the plant.
He was reportedly working with a camera in his glasses, which was not permitted. Considering the incident to be a matter of national security, the company has handed him over to the French police and is preparing to take strict action against him.
According to a report by Le Parisien, he had photos of the aircraft cables in his phone, which he claimed were taken as examples of the wiring for the work he had to do. However, the investigation revealed that he had not shared these images with any third party.
"We immediately notified the relevant authorities, who have taken the necessary action," the company reportedly said in a statement.
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The Rafale is a 4.5-generation, state-of-the-art, omni-role fighter jet, capable of carrying both conventional and nuclear weapons. Its AESA radar system, advanced missiles, and state-of-the-art avionics make it one of the most capable fighter aircraft in the world.
The integration of weapons and missiles into any fighter jet is extremely sensitive and of strategic importance. This is why any unauthorized recording or data leak within the plant is viewed as a serious threat.
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This incident comes at a time when India's Ministry of Defense has approved the production of 114 Rafale aircraft under the 'Make in India' initiative. According to the proposal, 18 Rafales will be purchased directly from France, while the remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India. These will also include some two-seater aircraft, which will be used for pilot training.
Rafale is already in service with the air forces of countries like India, France, the UAE, Egypt, and Indonesia. Recently, Indonesia also signed a major defense deal with France.
The approval of this project before French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to India reflects the strategic relationship between the two countries. Defense Minister Rajnath Singh said that cooperation between India and France is limitless and this mutually beneficial partnership knows no limits.
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He also mentioned the recent inauguration of the final assembly line of H125 helicopters, which took place virtually. This entire incident highlights the security of sensitive defense equipment like the Rafale and the complexities of global defense cooperation.
