CCS Set to Formally Approve 26 Rafale-M Fighters Acquisition for Indian Navy as PM Modi's France Visit Approaches

In a significant move to strengthen India's naval aviation capabilities, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is expected to formally approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation.

This major defence deal, which has already been greenlit by the Ministry of Defence, is anticipated to be a key highlight during PM Modi's upcoming visit to Paris.

The deal, estimated to be worth $7.2 billion, includes the procurement of 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers. These aircraft are specifically designed for naval operations and are capable of operating from aircraft carriers, significantly enhancing the Indian Navy's operational range and combat effectiveness.

The CCS approval is expected to coincide with Prime Minister Modi's visit to Paris for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit on February 10-11, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

This summit not only signifies a growing collaboration between India and France in the field of technology but also provides a strategic platform for strengthening defence ties.

The Rafale-M jets will be integrated into the Indian Navy's fleet, operating from its aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The acquisition is seen as a crucial step towards modernizing the naval air arm, replacing the aging MiG-29K jets that have been in service for decades.

The Rafale-M, with its advanced avionics, multi-role capabilities, and carrier-based operational capabilities, will significantly bolster the Navy's strike and deterrent capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.

 

[R. Singh]

CCS must approve 24 Rafale F-4 along with Rafale-M !

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Rafales are too expensive for export buyers. French air force rdered 42 rafales for 5.5 billion or 131 million per aircraft and india is ordering 26 rafales for 7.2 billion or 277million per aircraft.

we are indirectly subsidizing french air force.

 

[Anant]

Rafales are too expensive for export buyers. French air force rdered 42 rafales for 5.5 billion or 131 million per aircraft and india is ordering 26 rafales for 7.2 billion or 277million per aircraft.

we are indirectly subsidizing french air force.

We are not subsidizing the French Air Force. We are essentially paying off Dassault's research costs, as the FASF essentially buys the jets at cost, with the export premiums paying off the research and other fixed costs.

 

[Rinku Pandey]

Good purchase as there were no other aircrafts to consider. TDBEF is on drawing boards. MRFA tender next for 114 Rafales F4? Surely not.

 

[Scronkfinkle]

Why don't they send it to the US Senate too for approval, and maybe even the NATO block for approval? Useless chai-samosa buster committees with no acumen or knowledge of velocity, quality, and critical quantity in defence procurement are wasting time for over five years. These are all tricks to squeeze kickbacks. I feel sorry for our warriors. The order should have been for 56 as opposed to 26. The MiG-29K will retire; what would you fly then? The TEDBF on paper? They have made this country look like a joke.

 

[Enforcer]

Rafales are too expensive for export buyers. French air force rdered 42 rafales for 5.5 billion or 131 million per aircraft and india is ordering 26 rafales for 7.2 billion or 277million per aircraft.

we are indirectly subsidizing french air force.

Its true but we don't have any other option. Mig 29K are garbage. Super Hornet is good but navy wants commonality with air force for training maintenance and spares, which I completely agree with.

 

[Enforcer]

We are not subsidizing the French Air Force. We are essentially paying off Dassault's research costs, as the FASF essentially buys the jets at cost, with the export premiums paying off the research and other fixed costs.

Exactly true. The profits will mostly go towards new R&D, projects and setting up new production lines.

 

[Enforcer]

Good purchase as there were no other aircrafts to consider. TDBEF is on drawing boards. MRFA tender next for 114 Rafales F4? Surely not.

Just forget TEDBF. That plane's first flight won't even happen till 2030. After which it will be too outdated to even worth building. Its a waste of money. Can't even be exported since very few navies actually have aircraft carriers and most of them use F35 B&C already.

 

[Chinese eater]

Indonesia ordered 42 Rafale for € 8.2 Billions.
why India getting only 26 ?? Why 36 for $10 B ?