India has reportedly submitted a Letter of Request (LoR) to the French government, initiating the process for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft destined for the Indian Navy. This transaction, conducted through a government-to-government arrangement, marks a significant stride in India's naval capabilities.
The LoR was delivered to the French government a few days back and it delineates India's precise specifications and prerequisites for the Rafale Marine aircraft, news agency ANI reported quoting top defence sources. These state-of-the-art jets are intended for deployment on the Indian aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The Indian government and Navy are now operating on an accelerated timeline to expedite the contract signing process, aiming to swiftly deploy these highly capable aircraft to bolster New Delhi's strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean region, according to the report.
The proposed deal, with an approximate value of Euro 5.5 billion, received approval from the defense acquisition council just before the Indian Prime Minister's visit to France, where he participated as a state guest during their Bastille Day parade in July. As per the blueprint, the Indian Navy is set to receive 22 single-seater Rafale Marine aircraft, in addition to four trainer aircraft to facilitate pilot training and skill development.
Currently, the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant employ MiG-29s for their operational needs. The introduction of Rafale Marine aircraft will provide these carriers with a formidable edge in terms of aerial capabilities. India is also keen on incorporating its indigenous weaponry, such as the Astra air-to-air missile, into the package provided by France, enhancing the aircraft's combat capabilities.
