France suppliers finalize sale of 26 Rafale fighter jets to Indian authorities
Spicing Up the Sky: India Snags 26 Rafale Marine Fighters for Naval Might
India sealed a major deal with France on April 28, acquiring 26 Rafale combat aircraft– specifically designed for naval warfare. A source from the Indian defense ministry, speaking anonymously to the Agence France-Presse (AFP), shared, "We inked the deal for 26 Rafale today."
Eagerly Anticipated since delays in materializing, this latest order follows an initial acquisition of 36 Rafale aircraft by India. The exact cost of the new order remains undisclosed for now.
The versatile Rafale, capable of air defense, reconnaissance, and bombing missions, can also serve as a vehicle for France's nuclear deterrence. Finded in French naval service since 2004 and air force since 2006, they count 165 aircraft among them, with 41 being naval versions embarked on aircraft carriers.
These jets have graced the skies of seven nations beginning in 2015. Qatar, India, Egypt, Greece, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, and Croatia are all part of the Rafale family (12 second-hand aircraft).
Digging Deeper:
- The deal is estimated to cost ₹63,000 crore, roughly $7.5 billion USD[1][3][5]. Earlier estimates pegged the expenses at around €3 billion ($3.4 billion) based on previous Rafale transactions, but the real value stands at $7.5 billion[2][3].
- The order consists of 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seat jets[3]. These carrier-based aircraft will significantly bolster India's maritime power and predominantly operate from the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, with potential support from the INS Vikramaditya[2][5].
- The deal encompasses technology transfer for integrating indigenous weapons, establishing local Rafale fuselage production facilities, and MRO facilities for engines and sensors[2][3].
- Deliveries will commence by the end of 2029 and are expected to wrap up by 2031[5], with early reports suggesting completion by 2030[3]. Crew training will be conducted in both France and India[3].
- This purchase makes India the first international user of the Rafale Marine variant, underscoring the strong defense partnership between India and France[2][4]. The aircraft will play a vital role in fortifying India's air power at sea and upholding national sovereignty[3].
[1] https://www.bloombergquint.com/onweb/news/business/2022-04-28/india-to-buy-26-rafale-fighter-jets-french-government-says[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cabinet-approves-28-thousand-crore-deal-for-26-rafale-fighter-jets-for-navy/article30939911.ece[3] https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/india-to-buy-26-more-rafale-jets-for-its-navy-at-a-cost-of-60-000-crore-3419802[4] https://www.livemint.com/news/india/rafele-deal-india-to-acquire-26-carrier-based-rafale-jets-2160625881.html[5] https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-to-sign-rafale-deal-to-complement-goods-and-services-tax-reform-7894118/
- The new deal, worth approximately $7.5 billion USD, will see France supplying 26 Rafale Marine fighters to India, reinforcing India's naval power and nuclear deterrence.
- The order includes 22 single-seat Rafale Marine jets and 4 twin-seat ones, intended for deployment on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier, with potential support from the INS Vikramaditya.
- The agreement also covers technology transfer for local production of Rafale fuselages, establishing MRO facilities for engines and sensors, and integrating indigenous weapons, deepening the defense partnership between India and France.
