Government Approval for Rafale M Fighter Jets Acquisition
The Indian government has approved a significant deal worth Rs 63,000 crore to acquire Rafale M fighter jets from France, aimed at enhancing the Navy's capabilities.
Details of the Acquisition
- Quantity and Type:
- 26 marine versions of the Rafale fighters to be bought from France.
- Approval and Discussions:
- Cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) led by PM Narendra Modi.
- Formal contract signing expected this month.
- National Security Advisor Ajit Doval traveling to Paris for discussions on defense cooperation and the Indian Ocean Region's security.
Selection and Features
- Selection Process:
- Chosen over the American Boeing F/A 18 Super Hornet after a competitive process.
- Benefits from commonality with the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 36 Rafale jets.
- Technical Specifications:
- Equipped with advanced weapon systems: long-range air-to-air missiles, anti-ship weapons, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Manufacturing and Future Developments
- Local Manufacturing:
- No requirement to make the aircraft in India.
- French companies like Dassault, Thales, and MBDA likely to engage Indian partners for component manufacturing.
- Integration and Customization:
- Rafale M to be customized for Indian needs and integrated into Russian-origin carriers: INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant.
Future Prospects
- Indigenous Development:
- Development underway for Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter, expected to take a decade.
- Potential Production Line in India:
- France proposed setting up a production line in India contingent on a larger order.
- Consideration of a competitive bidding process for a larger acquisition of 114 fighter jets for the Air Force.
