New Delhi: In a strategic leap to enhance its maritime air power, India is set to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy in a landmark defence deal with France, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore (around $7.2 billion). The decision, recently cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), marks a pivotal step toward modernizing India’s naval aviation and reinforcing its presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
What’s the Deal?
Under this mega agreement, India will acquire 22 single-seater Rafale Marine jets and 4 twin-seater trainer variants tailored for naval operations. These aircraft are designed for take-off and landing from aircraft carriers, specifically to operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and the Russian-built INS Vikramaditya.
Why It Matters?
The move comes amid growing strategic competition in the Indian Ocean, where maritime dominance is crucial. India to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy not only underscores the country’s push for naval modernization but also reflects its commitment to safeguarding maritime interests against evolving threats.
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When Will It Happen?
Formal contracts are expected to be signed later this year, potentially during high-level bilateral meetings between India and France. Delivery timelines, as per defence officials, are likely to span the next three to four years following the signing of the final agreement.
Who Are the Stakeholders?
The jets will be supplied by Dassault Aviation, the French aerospace giant that earlier delivered 36 Rafale jets to the Indian Air Force. India’s Ministry of Defence and the Indian Navy are key stakeholders overseeing operational deployment and customization of the aircraft.
Where Will They Be Used?
The Rafale-M jets will be stationed on Indian aircraft carriers and deployed for deep-sea surveillance, precision strikes, and aerial combat. With capabilities such as the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile and SCALP cruise missiles, these jets are expected to significantly boost India’s strategic reach at sea.
How Will It Benefit India?
Beyond bolstering India’s deterrence capability, the deal deepens Indo-French defence ties. Although India initially explored integrating indigenous systems such as the Astra missile and ‘Uttam’ radar, sources indicate these might be added in later upgrades. For now, India to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets for Navy with pre-installed European weapons systems ensures rapid operational readiness.
This deal complements India’s ongoing efforts to indigenize its defence sector while pragmatically acquiring advanced technologies from trusted allies. Coupled with possible future procurement of three additional Scorpène-class submarines from France, it positions India as a formidable force in the maritime domain.
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