Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 28: In a significant move to bolster its naval power, particularly amid growing concerns over China's increasing maritime influence in the Indo-Pacific, India today formalized a government-to-government agreement with France worth Rs 63,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets.
This landmark procurement will proceed under an Inter-Governmental Agreement, ensuring a direct acquisition process without the involvement of intermediaries. The deal encompasses 22 single-seater aircraft and four twin-seater trainers, with the complete delivery expected by the year 2031.
The signing of this crucial agreement follows closely on the heels of the final approval granted by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on April 9th.
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France, the 26 Rafale-M jets destined for the Indian Navy are anticipated to be delivered within a timeframe of 37 to 65 months. A senior official indicated that the entire fleet of aircraft is scheduled for delivery by 2030-31.
The Rafale procurement package includes a comprehensive suite of weapons, simulators, spares, associated ancillary equipment, crew training, and logistics support provided by the French government to the Indian Navy. Furthermore, the deal incorporates indigenous manufacturing of components under offset obligations, aligning with India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative.
These advanced fighter jets will be strategically deployed on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy’s capability to effectively counter any potential threats emerging in the crucial Indian Ocean region.
The Rafale-M is a highly capable multirole fighter jet equipped with an array of advanced weaponry, including long-range cruise missiles, AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, and the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. It has a proven track record in French Navy operations, operating from their prestigious aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
Specifically designed for naval operations, the aircraft features Safran Group’s reinforced landing gear, folding wings for efficient carrier operations, and a strengthened undercarriage to withstand the demanding conditions of rough seas, deck landings, and tailhooks for arrested landings.
This deal also ensures crucial logistics support and spares for the 36 Rafale fighter jets already inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) under an earlier Rs 59,000 crore agreement with France in 2016. These IAF Rafale jets currently form two operational squadrons.
The first IAF Rafale squadron is based at Ambala Air Force Station, while the second is strategically located at Hasimara Air Force Station in West Bengal, near the border with China. These Rafale squadrons are a key component of India's enhanced air power in both the eastern sector, to counter China, and the western front against Pakistan.
The French maritime fighter is a robust aircraft specifically engineered with design features to endure the harsh conditions associated with aircraft carrier operations in a highly corrosive marine environment.
A significant advantage of acquiring the naval variant, Rafale-M, is the commonality it shares with the IAF’s existing Rafale fighters. This synergy will create efficiencies in areas such as training, maintenance procedures, and overall logistics support, according to the official.