India has approved a ₹63,000 crore (nearly $7 billion) inter-governmental agreement with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter planes for the Indian Navy. This long-awaited agreement was formally approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and is expected to boost the Navy’s aviation capability, particularly aboard the INS Vikrant, India’s indigenously built aircraft carrier.
Key Highlights of the Rafale Marine Jet Deal:
- Total Value: ₹63,000 crore (Over $7 billion)
- Approval Authority: Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
- Deal Structure: Government-to-Government (G2G) agreement between India and France.
Aircraft Composition
- 22 Single-Seater Carrier-Compliant Rafale-M Jets
- 4 Twin-Seater Trainer Jets
Purpose
- To operate from INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier.
- Enhances India’s carrier-based air power and maritime strike capabilities.
Enhancing Naval Capabilities
The Rafale Marine jets will significantly boost the Navy’s airpower, complementing the existing MiG-29K fleet. The deal also includes ²:
- Ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet
- Specialized equipment installation on aircraft carriers to support Rafale jet operations
Strategic Implications
This deal marks a substantial upgrade to India’s naval capabilities, particularly in the face of growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The Indian Navy is also planning to induct indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets, currently under development by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
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