Bharat and France are deep into negotiations regarding Bharat’s purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. These discussions, focusing on the price and other important details, were initially set for May 30 but were postponed to the second week of June due to the Lok Sabha elections.
A French delegation is currently in New Delhi, including officials from France’s Directorate General of Armament, which oversees the sale of Rafale jets. On the Bharatiya side, officials from the Directorate General of Acquisition within the Ministry of Defence, along with military officers, are taking part in these government-to-government talks.
India and France are set to begin contract negotiations for the Rs 50,000-crore deal on May 30. This deal involves the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine (Rafale M) fighter jets, following the arrival of a high-level French delegation. #RafaleM #IndiaFranceDeal #DefenceNews pic.twitter.com/Opl3F0wri7
— Ritam English (@EnglishRitam) June 14, 2024
The deal, estimated to be worth over Rs 50,000 crore (around 5.5 billion euros), aims to enhance Bharat’s fleet of advanced aircraft. This purchase will add to the 36 Rafale jets currently operated by the Indian Air Force, increasing Bharat’s total Rafale inventory to 62.
The new Rafale Marine jets will be operated from Indian Navy aircraft carriers, including the INS Vikramaditya and the INS Vikrant. Their home base will be INS Degha in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
In December last year, France responded to India’s tender for these jets, which are intended for deployment on both of Bharat’s aircraft carriers. Since then, Bharatiya officials have conducted a thorough evaluation of France’s bid, including the commercial offer and other contract details.
India’s Navy and central government are working quickly to finalize the acquisition contract as soon as possible. This fast-tracked approach aims to equip Bharatiya carriers with these advanced aircraft, giving Bharat a strategic edge in the Indian Ocean region.
The Defence Acquisition Council had already approved this deal before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France as the state guest for the Bastille Day parade last July. According to the plans, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater Rafale Marine aircraft and four trainer aircraft.
With this deal, Bharat aims to significantly bolster its naval capabilities, enhancing its defense preparedness and strategic positioning in the region.
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