The Indian government is keen to acquire 26 Rafale Marine Fighter aircraft for the Indian Army and is in talks with the French government. Discussions for the deal worth over Rs 50,000 crore are taking place this month.
Defense sources say the French delegation, including the Directorate General of Armament, is in New Delhi for talks about the sale of the Rafale jets. The India side is represented by officials from the Directorate General of Acquisition under the Ministry of Defense and military officers. Word is that Indian officials want to complete the negotiations with France and seal the agreement by the end of this financial year.
The Indian government highlighted plans to acquire the Rafale jets last year. A report highlighted that India currently possesses the Russian-made MiG-29K (naval variant) in its maritime naval inventory. The Indian Government needs the Rafale Marine to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Navy as it has only 40 aircraft that can be deployed. It is keen to upgrade the naval inventory with advanced naval fighter jets.
Also Read: NEET UG 2024 Paper Leak: Supreme Court Issues Notice To Centre, NTA On CBI Probe
Rafale Marine Fighter Aircraft to Boost India Military
The Rafale-M is boasted as an instrument of power projection and sea control for India in the Indian Ocean. It will boost India’s armed forces with high-quality naval fighter that can spring to action when deployed in the high seas, and supplements strengths in oceanic spaces.
The Rafale jet features Mach 1.8 speeds, high agility superior and optimized airframe, smart sensors, radars, and advanced weapons – these make it a deathly option for the naval air arm. Other features are optimization for storage aboard an aircraft carrier, anti-corrosion features, and payload capacity.
A report stated that the aircraft will be deployed in aircraft carriers as part of the expanded carrier battle group (CBG), mission-oriented, and provide an excellent offensive element for battle on the high seas.
