INDIA'S DEFENCE MINISTRY APPROVES AN ORDER FOR 26 RAFALE MARINE JETS

The Indian government has given its agreement in principle for the acquisition of 26 of the carrier-borne variant of Dassault Rafale fighter jets from France. The announcement came a day before the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris as the guest of honour for France's national holiday on 14 July 2023. It was approved during a meeting of India's Defence Acquisition Council.

“The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries," the Indian Ministry of Defence said in a statement. The council also approved the acquisition of three additional Scorpene submarines from France. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries, Modi is the guest of honour at the 2023 Bastille Day celebrations. As part of the traditional flypast, three Indian Rafale jets will grace the skies above the Champs-Élysées Avenue.

The Indian Naval Air Arm is currently in pursuit of a replacement for its aging fleet of 40 MiG-29K aircraft. This initiative aims to equip the INS Vikrant, India's maiden indigenous aircraft carrier, with a more modern and capable fighter fleet. The French Rafale and the US-made F-18 Super Hornet underwent a rigorous evaluation process, which included a crucial requirement to demonstrate their ski-jump take-off capability. This technique, known as Short Take-Off, but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR), aligns with the operational procedures of the Indian Navy. The INS Vikrant, India's indigenous aircraft carrier commissioned in 2022, utilises the STOBAR system for aircraft launch. In contrast, the French Navy and the US Navy employ a flat deck and a catapult launch (CATOBAR) system on their respective carriers.