The Indian Navy's strategic capabilities are poised for a significant enhancement. The Indian government has given in-principle approval to a mega-deal worth approximately ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7.6 billion USD) to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France.
New Delhi: India has approved a mega-deal to purchase 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft from France, with an estimated cost exceeding ₹63,000 crore. This strategic defense deal is expected to be signed soon. The agreement will provide the Indian Navy with 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale M fighter jets.
This move is considered a major step towards further strengthening the Indian Navy's maritime power. According to news agency ANI, the deal is likely to be finalized after receiving approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister, this month.
What's special about this deal?
Under this strategic deal, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater Rafale Marine aircraft. These aircraft will operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, where they will either replace or supplement the existing MiG-29K aircraft. Sources suggest that the first batch of Rafale Marines will arrive in India within approximately 5 years of the deal being signed.
Deliveries are expected to begin by the end of 2029, with all aircraft delivered to India by 2031. This will significantly bolster the Navy's patrolling, offensive, and strategic operations capabilities.
Rafale Marine vs. Rafale Air Force
While the Rafale Marine and Air Force versions share approximately 85% of their components, the Marine version boasts a more powerful engine and Short Take-Off But Arrested Landing (STOBAR) technology, enabling it to take off and land in limited space from aircraft carriers. This technology is specifically designed for ski-jump platforms like INS Vikrant.
This deal could also benefit the Indian Air Force (IAF). The deal may include upgrades to the IAF's existing 36 Rafale fighter jets with a "buddy-buddy refueling" system and additional ground support systems, extending their operational range.
Why is this deal essential?
Sources indicate that this deal between India and France is being finalized after months of strategic and price-related negotiations. India sought to finalize the deal at prices close to those of 2016, when 36 Rafale jets were procured for the IAF. The need for state-of-the-art carrier-based fighter jets for the protection of India's maritime borders has been felt for a long time. The deployment of Rafale Marines will strengthen India's strategic hold in the Indian Ocean region and provide an effective response to the growing naval presence of countries like China.
