In a significant step towards bolstering naval aviation capabilities, India and France formally launched the Rafale Marine programme during a bilateral meeting held at the Paris Air Show on June 19.
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The Indian delegation was led by Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) in the Ministry of Defence, while the French side was headed by Lieutenant General Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament.
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The meeting marked a milestone in India’s efforts to enhance its naval strike capabilities through the acquisition of the Rafale Marine fighter jet, which is set to complement the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafale aircraft. The naval variant is expected to operate from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, providing a powerful edge in maritime operations.
French defence officials confirmed that the discussions at the Paris Air Show served as the formal launch of the programme. The Rafale Marine jets will be equipped with advanced avionics, carrier landing gear, and weapons systems, tailored to Indian Navy specifications.
The engagement underscores the growing strategic defence partnership between India and France, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to expanding collaboration across multiple domains, including maritime security, joint development, and technology transfer.
As India continues its military modernization drive, the Rafale Marine programme is poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening the Indian Navy’s blue-water operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
