India and France Seal ₹63,000 Crore Deal for 26 Rafale-M Jets
The unique design of these powerful Rafale-M aircraft from France’s Dassault Aviation incorporates the capacity to take flight from an aircraft carrier deck and soon noise from the deck, is all set to be heard coming from the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. These aircraft are to fortify India’s presence and readiness in the Indian Ocean against any threats.
What Does The Deal?
- The deal, which also covers:
- 22 Single-seat Rafale-M jets
- 4 twin-seaters for training
The deliveries will be spread out for the next few years, and the fleet should be fully ready for operations by 2031. The new jets will eventually succeed the Navy’s aging MiG-29Ks.
The signing will happen between India’s Defence Secretary and representatives from Dassault Aviation. The French Defence Minister was expected to be in attendance, but he will not be for the signing.
Integration with Indian Missiles:
On the route to indigenizing defense, India will gain Raw Indian missile integration on Rafale-M jets, as these missiles will strengthen the country in its defense manufacturing.
This agreement further opens avenues into future technology transfer and joint production with India and France; these have already deepened with this cooperation.
Growing Strength of the Rafale for India:
Add the 36 flown so far by the Indian Air Force with the newly added deal amounting to 62 if you include those already in use – a boost of sorts, as these are meant for India’s 4.5-generation fighter fleet.
The clearance on the procurement of Rafale-M jets was given earlier this month – on April 9 – by a CCS meeting headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
