Cabinet Approves ₹63,000 Crore Agreement for 26 Rafale Fighter Jets from France for Indian Navy
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Synopsis
The Indian Cabinet, under Prime Minister Modi, has approved a ₹63,000 crore deal to acquire 26 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy, bolstering defense capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Key Takeaways
- ₹63,000 crore deal approved for 26 Rafale jets.
- Includes 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater variants.
- Logistical support for existing Rafale jets in IAF.
- Delivery expected by 2030-31.
- Enhances India's maritime defense capabilities.
New Delhi, April 9 (NationPress) The Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has authorized a ₹63,000 crore government-to-government agreement with France to procure 26 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy, according to senior officials.
This agreement includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater variants, specifically designed to meet the maritime needs of the Indian Navy amid China's increasing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
The procurement of Rafale will encompass weapons, simulators, spare parts, ancillary equipment, crew training, and logistical support from the French government for the Indian Navy.
The delivery of the 26 Rafale-M jets, produced by Dassault Aviation, is expected to occur within 37 to 65 months following the signing of the final contract in the upcoming weeks, with all deliveries anticipated to be completed by 2030-31, as stated by a senior official.
This agreement will also provide logistical support and spare parts for the 36 Rafale fighter jets already integrated into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2016 under a previous ₹59,000 crore deal with France, which includes two squadrons.
The first Rafale squadron operates from Ambala Air Force Station, while the second is stationed at Hasimara Air Force Station in West Bengal, near the border with China. These Rafale squadrons are designed to augment India's air capability in the eastern sector to counter China, as well as on the western front against Pakistan.
The French maritime fighter is a robust aircraft, featuring design elements that enable it to operate under the harsh conditions associated with aircraft carrier operations in corrosive environments. It is currently deployed to fly from the French Navy’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle.
The naval variant, Rafale-M, will enhance commonality with the IAF’s fighters, which will provide benefits in training, maintenance, and logistical support, as noted by the official.
Earlier, India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, had approved the Navy’s request to purchase the 26 Rafale M fighters in compliance with the official procedures.
