India and France Start Negotiations for Rs 50,000 Crore Deal to Acquire 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets

India and France begin negotiations for a Rs 50,000 crore deal to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, aiming for a final agreement by the end of the financial year.

Contract negotiations between India and France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets are set to commence on May 30. This deal, valued at over Rs 50,000 crore, aims to enhance the Indian Navy's capabilities by equipping its aircraft carriers with advanced fighter jets.

A high-level French delegation, comprising officials from the French Ministry of Defence and representatives from Dassault Aviation and Thales, will arrive in New Delhi to initiate the talks. The Indian delegation will include members from the defence acquisition wing and the Indian Navy.

The objective is to finalize the negotiations and sign the agreement by the end of the current financial year. France submitted its response to India's tender for the jets in December, including details on pricing and other contractual elements.

The Rafale Marine jets are intended for deployment on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The Indian Navy has conducted a thorough evaluation of the French bid, assessing both the commercial and technical aspects.

As the deal is a government-to-government contract, the upcoming negotiations are expected to be rigorous. The Navy Chief has instructed his team to expedite the negotiation process to ensure the timely induction of the aircraft into service.

The Rafale Marine, a naval variant of the Dassault Rafale, is designed for carrier-based operations. It is equipped with advanced avionics, radar systems, and weapons capabilities, making it a versatile and formidable fighter jet. The Indian Navy's decision to acquire these jets aligns with its strategic objective to bolster maritime security and enhance operational readiness.

India and France have a long-standing defense partnership, with previous collaborations including the acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force. This new deal for the Rafale Marine jets further strengthens bilateral defense ties and underscores the commitment of both nations to mutual security interests.

The induction of Rafale Marine jets will significantly boost the Indian Navy's combat capabilities, providing a technological edge in the region. These jets will enhance the Navy's ability to conduct a wide range of missions, from air defense and ground attack to reconnaissance and maritime surveillance.

The successful conclusion of this deal will mark a major milestone in India's ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces and enhance national defense capabilities.