The deal for the twin-engine carrier-based fighters, built for sustained combat operations at sea, is estimated to be worth around ₹50,000 crore.
India will begin trade talks with France this week to buy 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, officials with knowledge of the matter said on Tuesday.
The deal for the twin-engine carrier-based fighters, built for sustained combat operations at sea, is estimated to be worth around ₹50,000 crore.
Talks between the two sides are expected to begin on May 30 after a French delegation arrives in the country, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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In July 2023, India’s Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the Indian Navy’s proposal to purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets to enhance its operational capabilities. France responded to India’s tender last December.
The Rafale purchase will include weapons, simulator, spare parts, related ancillary equipment, crew training and logistical support to the Indian Navy from the French government.
The price and other terms of the purchase will be negotiated with the French government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparable purchase prices for similar aircraft. in other countries.
Integration of Indian design equipment and establishment of maintenance, repair and operation (MRO) center for various systems will be included in the contract documents after thorough negotiations, the defense ministry said earlier.
Until India develops its own twin-engine jet airborne fighter (TEDBF), the Rafale-M is being brought in as an interim measure to meet the Navy’s needs (TEDBF). The first TEDBF prototype could take off for the first time by 2026 and be ready for production by 2031.
The Rafale M is a robust aircraft and comes with a number of design features that significantly improve its survivability in carrier-based operations that are demanding and expose shipboard assets to highly corrosive environments.
