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The Print reports that the path to acquiring 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from the Indian Navy is almost clear. The Defense Acquisition Council, led by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, is expected to finalize this soon, paving the way for the acquisition of these Rafale-Maritime attack aircraft. Meanwhile, according to Avions Légendaires, the €6 billion contract could be signed by the end of 2024.
The decision to procure 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France underscores India’s increasing emphasis on strengthening its naval air power. Optimized for carrier-based missions, these advanced jets are set to significantly enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities, marking a substantial upgrade in maritime defense.
With state-of-the-art radar systems, cutting-edge weaponry, and exceptional maneuverability, the Rafale-M jets perfectly align with India’s strategic objective to bolster its naval power and ensure superior maritime security.
The acquisition is part of India’s broader initiative to bolster its naval forces in response to increasing geopolitical tensions in the Indian Ocean. With China’s expanding naval capabilities, including its fleet of aircraft carriers, India is poised to enhance its defensive and offensive maneuvers. The Rafale-M jets, slated to operate from the INS Vikrant—India’s homegrown aircraft carrier, which became fully functional in 2023—are a testament to this strategic commitment.
Moreover, this agreement marks another significant step in India’s strengthening defense ties with France. Historically, these two nations have enjoyed robust military cooperation, evidenced by India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets for its Air Force. This new contract for the naval variant highlights the mutual trust and confidence between the two countries in addressing India’s defense modernization needs.
The selection of the Rafale-M for India’s naval aviation was the result of an extensive selection process that spanned several years. The Indian Navy has been eager to upgrade its aging fleet of carrier-based jets, particularly to ensure compatibility with its new aircraft carriers.
The evaluation process featured exhaustive testing and trials. Both the Rafale-M and the F/A-18 underwent rigorous operational trials at the INS Hansa naval airbase in Goa in 2022 to determine their suitability for Indian aircraft carriers, especially the INS Vikrant.
The sea trials focused on evaluating the jets’ efficiency in taking off and landing from the short deck and ski-jump configurations found on Indian carriers. While both jets showcased impressive performance, the Rafale-M had a slight advantage due to its proven combat record, advanced avionics, and easier maintenance.
Logistics, training, and weapon systems that were already in place for the Air Force’s fleet could be seamlessly applied to the naval variant, simplifying the acquisition process. Additionally, India’s deepening defense partnership with France, underlined by mutual trust and technology transfer agreements, further reinforced Rafale-M as the top choice.
The Rafale-M is a naval powerhouse, specifically built for carrier-based missions. This multi-role fighter jet is packed with cutting-edge technology, making it one of the top maritime fighters out there. Fueling its impressive performance are two Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines, allowing it to soar at speeds up to Mach 1.8 [1,912 km/h]. With a combat range of 1,850 kilometers, it can easily cover missions far from its carrier base.
What truly sets the Rafale-M apart is its radar and sensor systems. Equipped with the Thales RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array [AESA] radar, it offers advanced target detection and tracking. This technology allows the Rafale-M to engage multiple air and ground targets at the same time, ensuring no threat goes unnoticed.
The aircraft boasts integration with the Spectra electronic warfare suite, enabling exceptional self-defense against a myriad of threats, such as missile attacks and radar detection. With its advanced avionics, it delivers superior situational awareness, thereby enhancing its performance in complex battle environments.
Its multirole capability allows it to undertake a variety of missions, ranging from air superiority and ground attacks to reconnaissance and nuclear deterrence. This makes it an incredibly formidable platform for meeting the Indian Navy’s future operational needs.
