India, France to finalise ₹63,000-cr. deal for 26 Rafale-M jets on April 28, Pg10

• India and France are set to formally announce a ₹63,000 crore (approximately $7.6 billion) government-to-government deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets on April 28th.

• The deal includes 22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seat trainer aircraft compatible with aircraft carriers.

• The signing ceremony will be attended by the French Ambassador in India and the Indian Defence Minister.

• Delivery of the jets is expected to commence in three-and-a-half years and be completed within six-and-a-half years.

• This acquisition aims to enhance the Indian Navy's air power capabilities, particularly for its aircraft carriers.

• The Rafale-M is the naval variant of the Rafale fighter jet, adapted for aircraft carrier operations.

• The Indian Navy currently operates MiG-29K jets on its aircraft carriers, which will be supplemented by the Rafale-M.

• The deal comes after the Indian Air Force procured 36 Rafale jets in a previous agreement signed in 2016.

• The French Defence Minister's visit to India was reportedly deferred due to personal reasons.

• The Rafale-M is capable of operating from both ski-jump equipped carriers (like INS Vikramaditya) and those with catapult launch systems.

• Strengthens the strategic defence partnership between India and France.

• Enhances the Indian Navy's maritime security capabilities and its ability to project power in the Indian Ocean region.

• Provides a boost to the Indian defence sector through potential offsets and technology transfer in the long run.

• Timely delivery and integration of the Rafale-M jets into the Indian Navy's fleet are crucial.

• Focus on training personnel and developing the necessary infrastructure for their operation and maintenance.

• Explore further avenues for defence cooperation and technology sharing with France.

Mains Mock Question:

Discuss the strategic significance of the Rafale-M aircraft acquisition for the Indian Navy's maritime capabilities and its impact on India-France defence relations.