The signing of a significant contract for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, valued at over Rs 50,000 crore, is set to commence on May 30 with the arrival of a high-ranking French delegation in India. This pivotal move marks a notable step in strengthening the Indian Navy’s capabilities. Official discussions on the fighter jet agreement, which will see the aircraft operated from both of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, are scheduled to take place between the French and Indian representatives from their respective ministries of defense.
The French team will include leaders from Dassault Aviation and Thales, the original equipment manufacturers, alongside defense ministry officials. The Indian delegation will consist of members from the Indian Navy and the Defense Acquisition Wing. Government sources indicated that they aim to conclude negotiations and finalize the deal with France by the end of the fiscal year.
This deal underscores the strategic defense collaboration between India and France and aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s operational readiness. The acquisition of these advanced fighter jets is expected to enhance India’s maritime security and defense posture, reflecting a significant investment in the nation’s defense infrastructure.
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France’s Response and India’s Evaluation of the Rafale Marine Fighters Tender
In December of last year, France responded to India’s tender for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine fighters for the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya of the Indian Navy. France had sent its reply to India’s Letter of Acceptance to New Delhi.
According to them, the Indian side has thoroughly examined the French bid for the Indian agreement, taking into account the contract’s other specifics as well as the aircraft’s commercial offer or pricing. Since this is a government-to-government contract, India would now have to negotiate hard with French officials.
The Navy Chief has instructed his staff to make sure that the project’s timeline is drastically shortened in order to facilitate the early completion and addition of the planes to the inventory.
