Rafale-M Revolution: India's Naval Power to Get a Significant Boost

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) : India has approved the mega deal to buy 26 Rafale marine fighter jets from France. This government-to-government deal worth more than Rs 63,000 crore will be signed soon. Under this deal, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seater and four twin-seater aircraft. News agency ANI has claimed this quoting government sources. According to sources, the proposed deal to buy 26 Rafale M fighter jets from France is likely to be finalised this month after getting approval from the Prime Minister-led Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

When will Rafale-M be available?

The delivery of Rafale M jets is expected to begin about five years after the deal is signed. The delivery of the aircraft will begin from the end of 2029. India will receive the entire consignment by 2031. These Rafale-M aircraft will be operated from aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. Both naval ships carry out their missions with the ageing MiG 29K fighter jets. These fighter jets will be deployed on India's first indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant and will complement the Navy's existing MiG-29K fleet. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already operates 36 Rafale jets at its bases in Ambala and Hashimara.

The new Rafale will enhance the capabilities of the IAF

The new Rafale Marine deal will also help enhance the IAF's capabilities, including upgrading its "Buddy-Buddy" aerial refuelling system. This facility will enable around 10 IAF Rafale jets to refuel other aircraft mid-air, increasing their operational range.Defence sources had earlier told ANI that the deal is likely to include ground-based equipment and software upgrades for the IAF fleet. Additionally, the Navy will need to install specialised equipment on its aircraft carriers to support operations of the 4.5-generation Rafale jets.

Talks about fighter jets have been going on for months

According to reports, the two countries were in talks for several months to buy 26 Rafale Marine jets. India wanted to make the deal for Rafale Marine for the Navy at the same price that India had set when buying 36 aircraft for the Air Force in 2016. Information about this deal was first revealed during PM Modi's visit to France in 2023. After this, the Defense Ministry issued a Letter of Request, which was accepted by France in December 2023. Earlier in September 2016, India had purchased 36 Rafale fighter jets from France for the Air Force. This deal was fixed for Rs 59 thousand crores.

Features of Rafael Marine Fighter Jet

Rafale Marine is more advanced than the Rafale fighter jets present in India. Its engine is more powerful, so this fighter jet can ski jump from INS Vikrant. It can also land in a very small space. This is called 'short take off but arrester landing'. About 85 percent of the parts are the same in both variants of Rafale. This means that there will never be any shortage or problem related to spare parts.