India on Monday (28 April) signed a government-to-government agreement worth Rs 63,000 crore with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighter jets, the marine variant of the renowned aircraft marking a major boost for India’s naval strength.
The signed contract includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater trainers, with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2031, NDTV reported. The deal also encompasses fleet maintenance, logistical support, and personnel training.
Significantly, as part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative, indigenous manufacturing of key components under offset obligations has been incorporated.
The Rafale M is celebrated as one of the world’s most advanced naval fighters. At present, only the French Navy operates this aircraft, which boasts Safran Group’s reinforced landing gears, folding wings, and a robust undercarriage designed to endure the harsh demands of deck landings and operations.
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The new fleet will be deployed on aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and strengthening its posture in the strategically vital Indian Ocean. The Rafale M jets will replace the ageing MiG-29K fleet.
Speaking in December, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi had affirmed, “We are tweaking our strategy to ‘negate’ any infringement in its area of operations and is ‘ready to tackle threats from all neighbours’.”
The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighters from northern bases. The induction of the Rafale M will complement the Air Force’s capabilities, including the upgrade of the ‘buddy-buddy’ aerial refuelling system, allowing extended airborne missions.
Additionally, the Navy plans to induct indigenous fifth-generation twin-engine, deck-based fighters being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to further bolster its future operational readiness.
Agencies
