In a major breakthrough to India's naval strength, the Indian government on Sunday inked a mega defence contract worth around Rs 63,000 crore with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy. The deal was inked by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, with Vice Admiral K Swaminathan, Vice Chief of the Naval Staff, present during the ceremony.

Strengthening Indian Navy's Air Power

The induction of the Rafale Marine jets, the naval variant of the combat-tested Rafale fighter aircraft, is likely to significantly boost the operational capability of the Indian Navy, particularly onboard India's indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.
These multi-role fighter aircraft have the capability to perform air dominance, ground strike, reconnaissance, and anti-ship missions and are a valuable asset for any future maritime security operations.

The Ministry of Defence mentioned that the agreement comes after a series of prolonged technical and commercial negotiations between New Delhi and Paris. The contract not only consists of the 26 aircraft with 22 single-seaters and 4 twin-seaters but also extensive support packages such as weapons, simulators, training, and maintenance services.

France To Ensure Faster Deliveries

Officials privy to the development reported that France has promised accelerated delivery, with the initial batch of Rafale Marine fighter jets arriving within three years. India is said to have negotiated a mutually beneficial timeline based on the strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific theater.

Strengthening India-France Strategic Partnership

This historic agreement is viewed as yet another milestone in the emerging India-France defence relationship. It comes after previous significant collaborations, such as the induction of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft into the Indian Air Force, an agreement signed in 2016. France's Dassault Aviation, which produces Rafale, will deliver the aircraft, while big French defence firms like Thales and Safran are also key players in the agreement.

Key Features of Rafale Marine Procurement:

• Value: Est. Rs 63,000 crore
• Variant: Rafale Marine (naval aircraft)
• Number: 26 aircraft (22 single-seaters + 4 twin-seaters)
• Placement: Mainly on INS Vikrant
• Support package: Weapons systems, training, simulators, maintenance