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| Strengthening Supremacy | | | In a landmark move to bolster India’s maritime defence capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has cleared a proposal to procure 26 Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets from France at an estimated cost of Rs 64,000 crore.
This acquisition marks a strategic step in enhancing the combat readiness of India’s naval forces, particularly for deployment aboard the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The procurement, which will be formalised through an inter-governmental agreement between India and France, is not merely a routine military purchase—it is a calculated geopolitical and tactical manoeuvre. With growing regional tensions and increased maritime activity in the Indo-Pacific, the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and air dominance at sea have become non-negotiable imperatives.
The Rafale-M, with its proven track record, state-of-the-art avionics, and carrier compatibility, is poised to significantly upgrade India’s naval aviation capabilities.
The Rafale-M jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, are engineered specifically for carrier-based operations, equipped with reinforced landing gear and tail hooks, making them ideally suited for takeoff and landing on a carrier deck. This addition will fill a critical capability gap for the Indian Navy, which has been operating limited numbers of ageing MiG-29K fighters from its carriers. The performance of the Rafale in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, coupled with its interoperability with other platforms, will give the Navy a decisive edge.
Under the deal, Dassault Aviation will also supply associated weapon systems, spares, and support infrastructure, ensuring that the jets are operationally viable and mission-ready. This comprehensive package highlights India’s focus on not just acquisition, but also on long-term maintenance and readiness—a lesson well-learned from past procurements.
Moreover, the Rafale-Ms are expected to integrate seamlessly with the existing 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force, creating a synergy that strengthens joint force capabilities.
The defence ministry had given initial approval to this mega acquisition in July 2023, after an exhaustive evaluation of competing platforms. The Rafale-M emerged as the most suitable option after rigorous testing, including compatibility trials with Indian aircraft carriers. The upcoming contract, expected to be signed soon, will initiate a five-year timeline for the delivery of these jets.
While this duration may seem extended, it reflects the complexity of customizing high-end defence platforms and integrating them with Indian operational requirements.
This deal also reaffirms the deepening strategic ties between India and France. Beyond defence, it strengthens bilateral trust and opens avenues for technology collaboration and co-development in the future. For India, this is not just about acquiring superior firepower—it is about sending a strong message of preparedness, self-reliance, and maritime assertiveness. |
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