India and France Ready to Seal Mega Deal for Rafale Marine Fighter Jets
India and France Set to Sign Major Rafale Deal
Get ready for a boost to India’s naval aviation! India and France are on the verge of signing a massive deal worth Rs 63,000 crore (approximately $7.7 billion) for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets. The signing ceremony is scheduled for Monday in Delhi.
This deal has been given the green light by India’s Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s a significant step for India’s defense capabilities, especially its maritime power.
Why These Jets Are Needed
India urgently needs these advanced fighter jets to be deployed on its aircraft carriers, particularly the INS Vikrant, which has recently become operational. The existing fleet of MiG-29K jets has faced some challenges with maintenance, making these new Rafales a vital addition.
Think of the Rafale Marines as a temporary solution while India develops its own indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet. They’ll bridge the gap and strengthen India’s naval air power considerably.
The Deal in Detail
The government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater jets and four twin-seater jets. It’s not just the jets themselves; the deal also encompasses a comprehensive package that covers fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and the development of indigenous components. This means India will gain expertise and capabilities in maintaining and supporting these advanced aircraft.
A Growing Rafale Fleet
This new deal will bring the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale aircraft, acquired under a separate deal in 2016. The Rafale is a 4.5-generation fighter jet, known for its advanced technology and combat capabilities.
With the addition of the Rafale Marines, India’s air force and navy will have a formidable fleet of these advanced jets, significantly enhancing their defense capabilities.
Key Players
The signing ceremony will be attended by officials from the Indian Defence Ministry and the French Ambassador to India. While the French Defence Minister was initially expected to attend in person, he had to cancel due to personal reasons and will participate virtually. This highlights the importance of the deal for both countries.
