Agreement Details:
- India and France have finalized an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
- The total value of the agreement is approximately₹64,000 crore.
- Deliveries are expected to start from mid-2028 and will be completed by 2030.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
Key Components of the Deal:
- Aircraft Package: 22 single-seater jets for aircraft carrier operations and 4 twin-seater trainer jets (not carrier-compatible).
- Additional Equipment: Includes weapons, simulator, performance-based logistics, and associated equipment for the existing Indian Air Force Rafale fleet.
- Training: Crew training will take place both in France and India.
- Transfer of Technology: The deal includes transferring technology for integrating indigenous weapons, such as the Astra missile, onto the Rafale aircraft.
Economic and Employment Impact:
- Job Creation: The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs, including for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
- Local Manufacturing: The establishment of a production facility for Rafale fuselage and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons.
Defense and Strategic Importance:
- Navy Capability: The Rafale-M jets will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly in terms of air superiority and defense on aircraft carriers.
- Aircraft Carrier Operations: The deal includes 22 jets capable of operating from aircraft carriers, strengthening India’s naval aviation.
- Strategic Indo-French Ties: The IGA strengthens the defense relationship between India and France, with both nations investing in long-term defense cooperation.
- Several government-to-business agreements were concluded alongside the IGA.
Operational Considerations:
- Timeline: Deliveries will begin 37 months after the signing of the contract, with completion within 66 months.
- Existing Fleet Integration: The deal also aims to enhance the capabilities of the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force, ensuring better interoperability and operational flexibility.
Significance for Indian Navy’s Future:
- With the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant currently in operation, the addition of Rafale-M jets will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, particularly in terms of modernizing its aircraft carrier-based aviation fleet.
