India will buy 26 Rafale-M for the Navy

India is set to finalize a deal to purchase 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Navy. Officials from the French government and Dassault company will arrive in India tomorrow to discuss this matter. They will engage in talks with the Contract Negotiation Committee of the Ministry of Defense.

According to a report by the Times of India, this deal, worth 50,000 crores, will include not only the Rafale-M jets but also weapons, simulators, training for the crew, and logistical support from France. The Defense Ministry stated that Navy officials will also be present at the meeting. They aim to complete the negotiations with France and sign the deal by the end of this financial year.

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Deployment on INS Vikrant to Counter China in the Indian Ocean

India will purchase 22 single-seat and 4 double-seat Rafale-M jets from France for the Navy, to be deployed on INS Vikrant to counter China in the Indian Ocean.

The deal was first discussed during PM Modi’s visit to France last year. A Letter of Request was issued by the Ministry of Defense and accepted by France in December 2023. In 2016, India bought 36 Rafale jets from France for the Air Force. This new deal focuses on naval variants of the aircraft

First Consignment May Take 2-3 Years; Air Force Navy Waited 7 Years

The first consignment of Rafale-M jets may take 2-3 years to arrive, similar to the 7-year timeline for the Air Force’s Rafale aircraft. Sea trials of INS Vikrant have begun, but fighter operations from its deck are yet to be tested. Following the deal’s finalization, technical and cost-related formalities will take at least one year to complete.

Experts suggest that the Rafale-M is suitable for the Navy because the Air Force has already established maintenance infrastructure for Rafale jets, which will also benefit the Navy and save costs. Sources indicate that the initial batch of Rafale-M jets could take 2-3 years to be delivered. The 2016 deal for 36 Rafales for the Air Force took 7 years for full delivery.

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