India-France Rafale M Fighter Jets Deal
India and France are set to sign a substantial deal for Rafale M fighter jets to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers.
Deal Overview
- Contract Value: ₹63,000 crore.
- Date of Signing: Scheduled for Monday.
- Involvement: Senior defence ministry officials and the French Ambassador to India.
- Remote Meeting: Planned between defence ministers of both countries.
Background and Approval
- The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the deal earlier this month.
- This acquisition is essential for boosting the Indian Navy's capabilities, particularly for its aircraft carriers.
Details of the Acquisition
- Quantity: 26 marine versions of Rafale fighters will be procured off the shelf from France.
- Weapons Package: Includes long-range anti-shipping weapons.
- Customization: Rafale M will be adapted for Indian requirements and integrated into Russian-origin Aviation Facility Complex (AFC) on aircraft carriers.
Current Aircraft Carriers
- Two active carriers: INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
- Existing fleet of MiG 29K fighters has performance issues due to maintenance challenges.
Strategic Importance
- The acquisition is a stopgap solution until the indigenous development of a carrier-borne fighter is complete.
- Indigenous Development: A Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter is in development, expected to take nearly a decade to become operational.
