India is currently engaged in negotiations with France to purchase 26 Rafale Marine jets, a deal anticipated to exceed Rs 50,000 crore. According to defense sources, these talks, now in their second round since Monday, are likely to span over 10-12 days.
The Indian side is pushing for a more favorable price than the initial French offer, which covers the complete contract including weapon systems.
The French proposal encompasses integrating Indian-specific enhancements and weaponry onto the Rafale aircraft, such as the Astra air-to-air missile.
In addition, it includes essential equipment for aircraft carrier operations, such as landing gear adaptations. Although the Rafale has demonstrated its capabilities for carrier operations during trials, real-time operational equipment will also be part of India’s procurement package.
India is leveraging the pricing terms from its previous deal for 36 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force as a benchmark. Negotiations will factor in agreed inflation adjustments from the earlier agreement, ensuring a fair cost assessment for the naval variant.
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Typically, naval twin-engine jets command higher costs due to specialized capabilities required for sea-based operations, including arrested landing mechanisms.
The negotiations, crucial for acquiring 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft, commenced in mid-June. The French delegation, including officials from the Directorate General of Armament, is actively participating in these discussions. These aircraft are slated for deployment on Indian Navy carriers such as INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.
Under the proposed plans, the INS Dega in Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, is designated as the home base for these aircraft within the Indian Navy’s operational framework. France had initially responded to India’s tender for purchasing 26 Rafale Marine jets in December of the previous year, setting the stage for the ongoing negotiations.
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