In a major step to boost the aerial combat capabilities of the Indian Navy, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sanctioned the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France.
The purchase, valued at around ₹64,000 crore, is for deployment on the home-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, defence sources said.
The agreement, to be signed under an inter-governmental pact between Paris and New Delhi, stipulates that deliveries of the Rafale naval variants will begin approximately five years after signing.
The Ministry of Defence had given initial approval for this high-profile contract in July 2023, after thorough trials and performance tests of the aircraft.
The agreement will also include Dassault Aviation—the maker of the French Rafale responsible for the acquisition—providing the Indian Navy with basic weapon systems, spare parts, and support hardware necessary for being operationally ready.
This is the second big Rafale purchase by India. The Indian Air Force had already inducted 36 Rafale aircraft, which were delivered in fly-away condition, and this greatly enhanced its combat capabilities. Based on their performance, the IAF is said to be mulling the induction of at least two more squadrons of these cutting-edge aircraft.
Increasing Indo-French Defence Partnership
The Indo-French defence relationship has acquired significant momentum over the past few years. While the Prime Minister was in France in July 2023, the two countries unveiled a range of joint programmes intended to advance military cooperation. They include the co-development of new-generation jet and helicopter engines and a plan to co-manufacture state-of-the-art defence technologies, some of which will be meant for export to friendly foreign nations.
Besides the Rafale contract, the Defence Ministry had also approved the procurement of three more Scorpene-class submarines almost two years ago to enhance India's underwater capabilities. This proposal, too, is yet to receive the final approval of the CCS.
India has commissioned six Scorpene submarines as part of Project 75. These were designed jointly with the French Naval Group and constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
With the recent Rafale agreement and current strategic endeavors, India and France are reaffirming their status as the most important partners in the global defence market.
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