India is moving forward with plans to procure 26 Rafale Marine warplanes, with the deal expected to be finalized in the coming year. This announcement came from Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi during the annual Navy Day press conference. He noted that negotiations for the Rafale Marine deal are currently at an advanced stage and are just one step away from being presented to the Cabinet Committee on Security.
The Rafale Marine aircraft is the naval version of the Rafale jets that have already been integrated into the Indian Air Force (IAF). India had previously acquired 36 Rafale jets for the IAF in 2016, with the first aircraft entering service in 2020. The ongoing discussions indicate a significant push towards strengthening the Indian Navy’s capabilities through modern aviation assets.
Admiral Tripathi also mentioned plans to enhance the naval fleet by purchasing three additional Scorpene-class submarines, which are diesel-powered attack submarines manufactured in France. The move to acquire these submarines aligns with India’s objective to bolster its maritime defense.
Reports have suggested that India is negotiating the Rafale Marine deal at a considerable discount, indicating France’s willingness to support India’s defense procurement endeavors. The French government is reportedly committed to aiding India’s self-reliance initiative, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, by offering a comprehensive transfer of technology. This includes manufacturing the Rafale warplanes and the Safran aircraft engines domestically in India.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the French manufacturer, Dassault, has reduced the overall cost of the Rafale Marine deal by nearly 500 million euros, which could facilitate quicker approval and finalization of the agreement. This development signifies a strategic partnership between India and France, aimed at enhancing the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities while fostering local manufacturing in the defense sector.
