India, France ink pact of Rs 64,000 cr to procure 26 Rafale jets

 

 

INDIA and France on Monday inked an inter-governmental agreement sealing a mega deal to procure 26 Rafale marine jets at a cost of Rs 64,000 crore (Euro 7 billion) for deployment on board Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The ambitious pact provides for the setting up of a production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons in India, according to the Defence Ministry. The agreement will also facilitate the transfer of technology for the integration of indigenous weapons in India. The delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2028 and will be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India.

 

“The induction (of Rafale-Marine) would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea,” the Ministry said in a statement. Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of Rafale jets, said, the new acquisition testifies the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France and the recognition of the aircraft as an “essential vector” of national sovereignty. The Rafale-Marine will provide the Indian Armed Forces with state-of-the-art capabilities and the Indian Navy will benefit from the experience of the French Navy that already operates this aircraft, it said. The Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in the maritime environment. “On behalf of Dassault Aviation and its partners, I would like to thank the Indian authorities, with whom we have been working for more than 70 years, for their confidence in us and reaffirm our unwavering determination to stand by their side to contribute to India’s expression of its sovereign power, its strategic challenges and its ambitious vision of the future,” said Eric Trappier, the CEO Dassault Aviation. Under the deal, the French aviation major will deliver 22 single-seat Rafale-Marine jets and four twin-seat trainers.

 

The deal also includes training of personnel, supply of simulators, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics. It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force. At the signing ceremony, French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou, said: “Today’s agreement marks a significant new milestone in the strategic partnership between France and India.” Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh was also present during the signing ceremony. The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighter aircraft. The Defence Ministry said that the Rafale-Marine has “commonality” with the Rafale being operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). “Its procurement will substantially enhance joint operational capability, besides optimising training and logistics for the aircraft for both Indian Navy and IAF,” it said in a statement.