• Source:JND
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India-France Rafale marine deal:  In a big boost to the maritime and defence capabilities of India, India and France have signed a mega Rs 63,000 crore agreement for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets in a major milestone towards bolstering the Indian Navy. The agreement is set to increase India's operational reach, particularly in the backdrop of the heightened tensions with Pakistan and the deadly Pahalgam terror attacks that took the lives of 26 civilians.

Led by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and Navy Vice Chief Admiral K Swaminathan, the agreement will provide the Indian Navy with 22 single-seat Rafale Marine fighter jets and four twin-seat trainers. The jets are intended for maritime strike, air defence, and reconnaissance operations and will be based on India's aircraft carriers, including the recently commissioned INS Vikrant. The agreement comes as India greatly increases its air and naval capabilities.

Increased Air Power And Strategic Reach

With the Rafale-M fighter jets, India will be able to conduct long-range precision strikes with SCALP air-to-ground missiles, which have a range of more than 300 km, and the Meteor air-to-air missiles, which can engage enemy aircraft at a distance of up to 150 km. The Rafale Marine jets, together with India's current fleet of 36 Rafale jets inducted by the Indian Air Force, will take India's overall Rafale fleet to 62, strengthening its 4.5-generation warfare capabilities.

Not only do these advanced fighter aircraft strengthen India's air power, but they also provide the country with a powerful advantage in naval warfare. Besides, India has enhanced its missile power with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, which can hit enemy targets at ranges over 400 km. These missiles, along with long-range drones such as the MQ-9B Predator, increase India's reach and deterrent capability in the region, particularly in disputed zones near Pakistan.

Advanced Air Defence And Precision Strikes

India's air capabilities have undergone swift modernization in recent years. The addition of the S-400 air defence system and loitering munitions has enhanced India's capability to neutralize enemy threats at extended ranges and in intricate combat situations. The S-400 and the Rafale fighter jets make it possible for India to strike deep into enemy territory with minimal risk to its personnel. India's military is now much better equipped than it was during the Balakot air strikes of 2019, with significant improvements in air strike capabilities and strategic assets, senior defence sources have revealed. This change makes India's deterrent capability much stronger, ensuring that the nation can react quickly and efficiently to any cross-border threat.

Strategic Defence Enhancements Post Pahalgam Attacks

The Pahalgam attacks that claimed 26 civilians' lives underscore the escalating security threats for India. The Indian military's readiness to mount a quick response has never been more important after the incident. India's enhanced combat readiness, ranging from upgraded fighter aircraft to strategic missiles and drones, ensures that the nation can quickly hit terrorist networks, particularly in Pakistan, as evidenced by the enhancements in its air and missile capabilities. India's military superiority is also highlighted by its greater strength in tanks, artillery, and aircraft over Pakistan. With 2,229 aircraft, including 513 fighter aircraft, India is still a dominant regional force, with an air force that is well armed and can deploy rapidly and with tactical superiority.

The recent signing of the Rafale Marine agreement, with the induction of BrahMos missiles, MQ-9B UAVs, and the S-400 air defense system, has greatly improved the naval and air capabilities of India. These are developments that help ensure India remains well-equipped to defend its borders and act with determination in reacting to any incursion, underlining the nation's military resistance in the event of increasing regional security threats.

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