India and France are set to sign a landmark deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft, marking a significant milestone in enhancing India’s naval defence capabilities. The agreement, scheduled to be formalized today, will see the French Ambassador to India and India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, put their signatures on the contract, which has already received approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security.

The signing ceremony, expected to take place outside the Defence Ministry headquarters at South Block, will be witnessed remotely by the Defence Ministers of both countries. While the French Defence Minister was initially slated to attend the event in person, the visit was cancelled due to personal reasons.

Details of the Deal: This new acquisition will bring 26 advanced Rafale Marine (Rafale M) jets to India, adding a powerful new asset to the Indian Navy. The deal consists of 22 single-seater and 4 twin-seater jets, and is expected to significantly upgrade India’s maritime combat capabilities. The Rafale M aircraft will be deployed aboard the INS Vikrant, India's flagship aircraft carrier. These jets are designed specifically for carrier operations, providing India with a state-of-the-art solution for aerial superiority in naval operations.

The Rafale M jets will not only replace the underperforming MiG-29K fleet, which has faced maintenance challenges, but will also enhance the Navy’s overall strike capabilities. This move comes as part of the Indian Navy’s strategy to modernize and strengthen its aircraft carrier fleet, especially given the growing security concerns in the Indian Ocean Region.

Customization and Integration: The Rafale M aircraft will be customized to meet India’s specific requirements and will be integrated into the INS Vikrant. This deal also includes a comprehensive support package that covers fleet maintenance, logistical support, and personnel training. Additionally, a key component of the agreement is the collaboration on indigenous manufacturing, which will see India produce certain components locally.

Strategic Importance: This agreement follows the previous success of India’s Rafale acquisition program. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, purchased in a 2016 deal, and this new contract will increase the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62, bolstering India’s overall defence capacity.

India’s defense and strategic relationship with France has grown considerably in recent years. In July 2023, both nations announced multiple defense cooperation initiatives, including the joint development of advanced jet and helicopter engines. The Rafale Marine deal further underscores the strengthening of this partnership, with both countries committed to collaborating on high-end defence technologies, including co-development and co-production, benefiting not only their forces but also potential third-party nations.

Future Implications: The delivery of these advanced jets will begin five years after the signing of the deal, providing India with cutting-edge technology in its quest to strengthen its naval presence. The deal also reflects India’s broader ambitions to enhance its strategic autonomy and modernize its armed forces in an increasingly complex global security environment.

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