Waiting for CNC report to decide on Rafale deal, says Manohar Parrikar

Union Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said he is awaiting the report of the commercial negotiations committee (CNC) before taking a decision on whether to go ahead with the Rafale deal.

The Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft deal estimated to be worth $13 billion in 2012, has been in limbo even after French company Dassault was finalised for supplying its Rafale aircraft.

The deal has yet to be awarded due to commercial negotiations underway. Parrikar said that the CNC report might come in March.

The defence minister was speaking at the 10th edition of the Aero India show happening at Bengaluru.

He also said that HAL, which produces the Dhruv and Rudra choppers, might be asked to add another line to produce more than the 30 helicopters it does now. "We also want to encourage participation of private Indian companies in producing choppers to meet the growing requirements of the country," he added.