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The Indian Armed Forces will receive next-generation Rafale Marine fighter jets and a trio of Scorpène Class attack submarines with France’s Dassault Aviation and India’s Mazagon Dock Limited.
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Proposals have been approved to acquire 26 of the French twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircrafts and three (export variant Kalvari Class) diesel-electric attack submarines to boost Navy operational capabilities, according to a statement from India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).
The price and other terms of purchase for the aircraft, simulator, spares, and training will be negotiated with the French government, after acceptance of necessity approval was given by DAC chairman Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh earlier this month.
The purchases are hoped to promote a “self-reliant India” and its domestic manufacturing program with the submarines built and sustained domestically.
Dassault Aviation chairman and chief executive officer Eric Trappier said this new selection confirms the excellence of the Rafale, adding to the Indian Navy’s fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft.
“As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of our partnership with the Indian Forces, I would like to thank the Indian authorities for this new mark of confidence and pledge, on behalf of Dassault Aviation, that we will fully meet the Indian Navy’s expectations with the Rafale,” he said.
The aircraft will reportedly operate from India’s indigenous Vikrant aircraft carrier, alongside MiG-29K multi-role fighter aircraft and Kamov Ka-31 airborne early warning helicopters.
