| ID | 133037 |
| Title Proper | Rafale is the best fighter plane in the world |
| Other Title Information | Air Chief Marshal Denis Mercier |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Arpi, Claude |
| Publication | 2014. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Appointed as the Air Force Chief of Staff (CEMAA) on September 17, 2012, at the age of 53, General Denis Mercier had joined the French Air Force academy in 1979 and qualified as a fighter pilot in 1983. With 182 combat missions and more than 3,000 flying hours (mostly on Mirage F1C and Mirage 2000C) throughout his career, he has acquired extensive experience both as an operational commander and as a fighter pilot. In 2008, he was appointed Commander of the French Air Force Academy in Salon de Provence. Prior to becoming Air Chief, he was posted as a senior Military Advisor in the Ministry of Defence.
Claude Arpi met him on his return from Jodhpur where the Indo-French joint exercises 'Garuda V' were being held. That day, General Mercier flew a Sukhoi-30 MKI, while his Indian counterpart, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha flew a Rafale. Excerpts from the Interview |
| `In' analytical Note | Indian Defence Review Vol.29, No.3; Jul-Sep.2014: p.21-30 |
| Journal Source | Indian Defence Review Vol.29, No.3; Jul-Sep.2014: p.21-30 |
| Key Words | Fighter Plane ; Rafale ; Combat Mission ; Indo-French Joint Exercises - IFJE ; Garuda V ; Mirage 200c ; Air Power ; Operational Commander ; Military Policy ; Appointed as the Air Force Chief of Staff - CEMAA |