As India steps closer to Rafale marine jet deal, here’s why it is key for Navy

India is on the verge of concluding a landmark deal for 26 Rafale M fighter planes for the Indian Navy from the French company Dassault Aviation with the submission of the final price offer from France in a government-to-government deal.

India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will be meeting his French counterparts in Paris on Monday (September 30) for the India-France Strategic Dialogue and this deal is scheduled to come up for discussion.

This deal assumes great significance in India’s continuing defence modernisation plans as these fighter planes will enhance the nation’s naval aviation capabilities and play a big role in securing India’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

Reduced price, more missiles  

According to sources in the defence ministry, the French side has agreed to a significant price reduction after protracted negotiations, reported news agency ANI.

India is reported to have approved deviations in the letter of request, which had asked for the integration of the indigenous Uttam radar in the jets. The integration would have taken a longer time to implement and would have resulted in a higher price as well.

The Indian Navy will get more long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles as part of the deal, said the sources.

The Rafale M jets will be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and other bases.

Also Read: DAC likely to clear acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighters today

Rafale M – a much-needed addition to the Navy

The Rafale M is specifically designed for carrier-based operations. They will replace the ageing MiG-29Ks that are currently being used by the Navy to operate from its aircraft carriers. The Rafales come with a technological upgrade and will boost the Navy’s capabilities.

The fleet will include 22 single-seaters and four twin-seater trainer jets.

The acquisition of the Rafale M jets will also coincide with the induction of INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier.

The Indian Air Force currently operates 36 Rafale planes, and has benefitted from its advanced weapons systems, avionics, and overall performance.

Dassault is also pursuing a deal to supply 114 additional fighters under the Medium Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) project.

If that deal materializes, and with the acquisition of the 26 Rafale M jets, India will become the second-largest operator of Rafale jets in the world, after France. India’s Rafale fleet would consist of 176 planes, compared to the French Air Force that operates 185 Rafales.

The Rafale M will be India’s ideal counter to Pakistan’s AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile).

Also Read: Procurement of 26 Rafale jets for Indian Navy approved

Rafale M’s capabilities

The Rafale M is equipped with the latest weaponry that includes the SCALP long-range standoff missile, the Beyond Visual Range air-to-air MICA, the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile, and the long-range air-to-air Meteor missile.

The Rafale is capable of carrying out a wide range of missions, and has proven itself in different conflict zones. It has the distinction of never having been shot down in combat, thanks to its advanced defensive systems and overall superior performance.

It’s reinforced undercarriage, stronger landing gears, and an extended, reinforced nose make it the ideal jet to be operated from aircraft carriers. It is equipped with a tail hook to make it stop during arrested landings, and a jump strut on the nosewheel that extends during short take-offs. It has a landing system designed for carrier operations.

Though the Rafale M does not have foldable wings, Dassault will be adjusting its pylon structure to make it fit for the INS Vikrant.

Also Read: Rafales perform 6-hour mission in Indian Ocean Region

Compatibility with the IAF’s Rafale jets

One of the reasons India decided to go with the Rafale M jets for its navy is that it shares many parts with the IAF’s Rafale jets. This will help lower costs for spare parts and maintenance.

The two planes have 80 per cent of their components in common.

Dassault also said that they share a similar design and equipment, and comparable mission capabilities.

The IAF and the navy’s Rafales are called “omnirole aircrafts”, meaning that they can carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions at the same time.

All the Rafale fighter planes are part of the 4+ generation of fighter jets. They are equipped with advanced avionics, and share some features with fifth generation planes.

Also Read: Dassault Aviation to set up MRO facility in Noida for Mirage-2000, Rafale jets: Report

Dassault’s MRO facility in Uttar Pradesh

Dassault Aviation will be setting up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Uttar Pradesh that will not only support the IAF’s fleet of Rafales and Mirage-2000s, but will also serve as a regional hub for maintaining French-origin aircraft in India.

The MRO facility will play an important role in ensuring operational readiness and longevity for India’s Rafale jets. It also signifies the deepening defence cooperation between India and France, with the latter turning out to be a key partner in modernising India’s armed forces.