India Approves Purchase of 26 Rafale Marine Jets for Navy from France

Quick Summary:

• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved a ₹63,000-crore deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from france for the Indian Navy.
• The deal includes 22 single-seater carrier-compatible jets and four twin-seater trainer aircraft, which are not carrier-compatible.
• The agreement awaits formal signature later this month during the visit of the French Defense Minister to India.
• Delivery of Rafale-M jets will start three-and-a-half years after signing and be completed in six-and-a-half years.
• Another proposed contract for three additional Scorpene-class submarines wiht France is awaiting CCS approval before finalisation.
• Initial approval for these mega deals was granted by Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in July 2023; IndiaS Navy operates two aircraft carriers: INS Vikramaditya (Russian origin) and INS Vikrant (indigenously built).

Indian opinion Analysis:

India’s acquisition of Rafale-M fighter jets reflects a strategic step toward modernising naval aviation capabilities. This decision aligns with india’s broader goals of enhancing operational readiness amid evolving regional security challenges and increasing maritime interests. By approving advanced platforms like the Rafale-M, which demonstrated its performance aboard French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle recently, India’s Navy aims to strengthen its air-wing capabilities on carriers such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

The timeline-three-and-a-half years until delivery-suggests that India is planning long-term integration rather than immediate operational leaps. Simultaneously occurring,delays in approving submarine acquisitions highlight procurement complexities tied to budgetary constraints or prioritisation dynamics. These developments also signal deepening defence ties between India and France beyond customary arms purchases-a relationship underscored by consistent multi-billion dollar collaborations over recent decades.

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