Boost to Indian Navy's Warfighting Capabilities

The Indian Navy's combat effectiveness will be enhanced with a new deal between India and France for the acquisition of Rafale M fighter jets. These jets will operate from Indian aircraft carriers.

Agreement Details

• The deal, valued at Rs 63,000 crore, was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and signed in the presence of key officials including India's defence secretary and the French ambassador.
• It includes a comprehensive weapons package with long-range air-to-air missiles and ground and anti-shipping weapons.
• A performance-based logistics pact is part of the agreement to ensure high availability of the combat platform.
• The deal includes transfer of technology for integrating indigenous weapons in India.

Local Production and Employment Generation

• France will establish a production facility for Rafale fuselages in India.
• Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons will also be set up locally.
• The initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs and benefit numerous MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises).

Operational Benefits and Training

• The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled for completion by 2030, with Indian Navy pilots receiving training in France and India.
• The new jets will replace the Russian-origin MiG 29K fighter jets, which have underperformed due to maintenance issues.
• Training for Indian pilots on the Rafale M will be conducted by French experts.

Strategic Impact

• This acquisition will serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, significantly enhancing the nation's air power at sea.
• The move addresses the current limitations faced by the MiG 29K fleet, which suffers from low operational availability.
• The Rafale jets are a stopgap solution until the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter, currently in development, becomes operational in the next decade.