New Delhi: India is poised to finalize a landmark defense agreement with France for the acquisition of Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets on April 28, according to sources in the Ministry of Defence. The deal, already approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), is expected to significantly boost India’s maritime defense capabilities.
The signing will take place during the upcoming visit of French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who is scheduled to arrive in India on April 27. This high-level engagement underscores the growing strategic and defense partnership between the two nations.
Strengthening India’s Naval Air Power
The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets acquired under a 2016 agreement, but the Navy currently relies on Russian-origin MiG-29K fighters for carrier-based operations. The Rafale M—designed specifically for naval use—will add next-generation capabilities to India’s carrier fleet, especially as the country commissions more aircraft carriers in the coming years.
The Rafale M is a versatile multirole fighter capable of performing air superiority missions, ground strikes, anti-ship warfare, and reconnaissance operations. Importantly, it is also nuclear-capable, providing a strategic edge in regional security dynamics.
Advanced Technology & Maritime Suitability
The jets are equipped with several cutting-edge systems, including:
• Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles
• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
• Spectra electronic warfare suite for missile evasion and radar jamming
• RBE2 radar for enhanced tracking and engagement in complex air and sea environments
The aircraft’s supercruise capability allows it to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 1 without afterburners, improving fuel efficiency and mission duration. In-flight refueling extends its operational range, making it ideal for long maritime patrols and deep strike missions across India’s vast coastline and oceanic interests.
Biggest Naval Jet Deal Yet
The total value of the deal is estimated at ₹63,000 crore. The aircraft will be equipped with precision-guided munitions (PGMs), including laser-guided bombs, air-to-ground missiles, and long-range cruise missiles—bolstering India’s ability to deliver rapid, high-impact strikes from sea-based platforms.
Once finalized, the Rafale M deal will mark a major step in India’s efforts to modernize its naval air fleet and enhance its readiness for future maritime challenges in the Indo-Pacific region.
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