India Poised to Finalize Purchase of 26 Rafale M Jets and 3 Scorpene Submarines From France Within Next Few Weeks

In a move set to significantly bolster its naval capabilities, India is reportedly on the verge of finalizing a deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the deal could be sealed within the next few weeks.

While an official announcement has not yet been made, speculation is rife that the procurement may be unveiled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Paris next month. Modi is scheduled to attend a summit on artificial intelligence on February 10th and 11th, and is expected to hold bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to sources, both deals are in the advanced stages of negotiation and are awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). The Indian Defence Ministry had previously greenlit the purchase of 22 Rafale-M jets in July 2023, primarily for deployment on the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. The acquisition of three additional Scorpene submarines was also approved at the same time.

This latest purchase will add to the existing fleet of six Scorpene submarines already built in India under Project 75. These submarines were constructed by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France's Naval Group.

The procurement of the Rafale-M jets, along with associated weaponry, spares, and ancillary equipment, will be conducted through an inter-governmental agreement (IGA), similar to the previous acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force. There are indications that the Indian Air Force may be considering procuring additional Rafale squadrons in the future.

This potential deal underscores the growing defence and strategic partnership between India and France. In July 2023, both nations announced a series of ambitious joint defence projects, including the co-development of jet and helicopter engines.

They also pledged to collaborate on the development and production of advanced defence technologies, with the possibility of extending these advancements to third countries.

 

[R. Singh]

CCS should also approve purchase of 26 Rafale F-4 !

 

[sanket]

Next Month is Full of Excitement From 26 Rafale M Deal, Follow-on 3 Scorpene class deal to Announcement of Aero-Engine partner for AMCA.

 

[Tls Mani]

When going on for so many years, by the time delivered, it will be obsolete. Lousy procedures & red tapeism. Security is ignored for stupid paperwork of babus.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Cancel MRFA. Include 2-3 squadrons of Rafales for IAF along with this deal. Negotiate MRO tech, modifications and mid life upgrade rights.

 

[Mango_Indian]

INR 66,000 crore for 26 Rafale M jets. INR 36,000 crores for 3 Scorpene diesel submarines. Both as per TOI report.

That's INR 2,538 crores (USD 300 Mill) per Rafale jet and INR 12,000 crores (USD 1.3 Bill) for each Scorpene diesel sub.

 

[Dredd]

Cancel MRFA. Include 2-3 squadrons of Rafales for IAF along with this deal. Negotiate MRO tech, modifications and mid life upgrade rights.

This would be most sensible solution till India decides on MRFA circus.

 

[Chinese eater]

France sold Mirage 2000 to Pakistan and India..
France sold Agosta9B Submarines pre version of Sporpene to Pakistan.

 

[Chinese eater]

Pakistan is getting cheaper J20 and 5th gen J35 from china cheaper Rafale. How are we going to compete

 

[Sandeep]

Pakistan is getting cheaper J20 and 5th gen J35 from china cheaper Rafale. How are we going to compete

Their jets are mostly junk as every user of their weapons have complained about the unreliable equipment and technology, but everyone agrees that Chinese weapons and technology don’t perform or work as they claim it can do.

 

[Sandeep]

This is very good news. Currently we have an empty carrier that needs these advanced jet and until we have a dedicated squadron we won’t be able to operate the carrier at all except for emergencies or training. A empty carrier will stop us from dominating the sea and our enemies and place us under threat.

Also ordering the 3 extra Kalvari submarines are very important. We will need to upgrade the technology, equipment, weapons and systems from the earlier 6 submarines. Also we need to install our indigenous AIP module which will keep us underwater for a longer period. At the same time we should increase the ToT amount along with the amount of local production to reduce costs.

Another important project that we need to make is the engine for the AMCA. This project will take us at least 10 years to design, develop, manufacture and start production after passing all tests. So we need to quickly make a deal with Safran by sorting out the contracts and price which will be expensive but the education, knowledge, experience and engineering skills that we will learn is a major factor.

 

[PKPRS]

Cancel MRFA. Include 2-3 squadrons of Rafales for IAF along with this deal. Negotiate MRO tech, modifications and mid life upgrade rights.

3 squadrons will cost $15-20Bln, and we have to wait for 10-15years to get them, another24-36 is good enough.

 

[Muthukumar Ponnambalam]

So France is replacing Russia. Wow

Its amazing how India loves France very much and vows to develop French defense industrial complex and give it the much needed boost.

India's selfless and tireless hard work for the others' welfare brings me tears.