India is procuring the jets from French defence major Dassault Aviation for deployment on board aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years.
In a major boost to India’s defence capabilities, a landmark deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft was signed between India and France on Monday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was present at the signing ceremony. The pact was sealed at a virtual event.
Earlier plans had included the French Defence Minister attending the ceremony in person, but his visit was cancelled due to personal reasons. The deal had already received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Security earlier this month. The country’s carriers urgently require new combat fighter jets for deployment, as the existing fleet of MiG-29 K fighters has reportedly underperformed due to maintenance-related issues.
Know about Rafale M jets
The Rafale combat aircraft will be deployed on board INS Vikrant, which is currently in service. The Rafale M jets will be customised to meet Indian requirements and will be integrated into the aircraft carrier. These carrier-borne fighters are being acquired as a stopgap solution until the development of an indigenous carrier-borne fighter jet is completed. The government-to-government contract includes 22 single-seater and four twin-seater jets, along with a comprehensive package for fleet maintenance, logistical support, personnel training, and indigenous component manufacturing.
It is to be noted here that the Rafale M jets will operate from INS Vikrant and support the existing MiG-29K fleet. The Indian Air Force already operates a fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft acquired under a separate deal signed in 2016. These aircraft are based at Ambala and Hasimara. The new deal will raise the total number of Rafale jets in India to 62, significantly boosting the country’s fleet of 4.5-generation fighter aircraft.
Power of Rafale-M
- Length: 15.27 meters
- Width: 10.80 meters
- Height: 5.34 meters
- Weight: 10,600 kilograms
- Speed: 1,912 KM/H
- Range: 3,700 kilometers
- Flight altitude: 50,000 feet
- Capable of ski-jump takeoff from INS Vikrant
- Capable of landing and taking off in short distances
- Capable of conducting nuclear attacks
- Equipped with mid-air refueling capability
India-France defence partnership
The defence and strategic ties between India and France have been on an upswing in the last few years. In July 2023, India and France announced a raft of ground-breaking defence cooperation projects, including the joint development of jet and helicopter engines. The two strategic partners also had expressed commitment to cooperate in the co-development and co-production of advanced defence technologies, including for the benefit of third countries.
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