The production of Rafale fighter jets has been temporarily suspended in France due to the coronavirus outbreak, which could impact the delivery schedule of the aircraft to India.
The training schedule of Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots has also been affected amid precautionary steps being taken in France to tackle the pandemic. Defence sources confirmed that Dassault Aviation’s Bordeaux-Mérignac production facility, which manufactures the Rafale, halted work this week. The facility will remain suspended until 31 March. “Work has been stopped as a precautionary measure. The training and other related matters have also been put on hold. The steps are being taken as part of the overall protocols being put in place in wake of the coronavirus outbreak,” a source said.
With the pandemic reaching over 150 countries — France and India are facing nearly 10,000 and 200 cases, respectively — governments across the world have pitched for work-from-home in a bid to contain the viral spread.
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