Indian Navy's Rafale M Deal Nearing Completion Within Next Month, Set to Counter China's Growing Carrier Force

The Indian Navy is poised to finalize a deal for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets by next month, according to a statement by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. This development comes amidst growing concerns about China's expanding and modernizing carrier force, including the recent operationalization of its advanced J-15B and J-15D carrier-based fighter jets.

The Rafale-M, designed and built by France's Dassault Aviation, is intended for deployment on India's indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, significantly enhancing the Navy's capabilities in the Indian Ocean region. This acquisition comes at a crucial time, as China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) recently conducted dual-aircraft carrier operations in the South China Sea, showcasing its growing naval power.

China's Modernized Carrier-Based Fighters​

The PLAN exercise involved its two active carriers, Liaoning and Shandong, and confirmed the operational status of the modernized J-15B and J-15D fighter jets.

The J-15B boasts advanced features like an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and an updated cockpit, while the J-15D is a dedicated electronic warfare (EW) variant with capabilities similar to the US Navy's EA-18G Growler.

These upgraded fighters significantly enhance the PLAN's carrier air wings and its ability to project power in the region.

India's Rafale-M Acquisition​

The Rafale-M deal, valued at over Rs 50,000 crore, will provide the Indian Navy with a significant boost in its carrier-based combat capabilities. The Rafale-M is a 4+ generation fighter with advanced avionics and features comparable to fifth-generation jets. It is capable of executing a wide range of missions, including deep strikes, air defence, and reconnaissance.

Currently, India's carriers operate with Russian MiG-29K fighter aircraft.

The Rafale-M shares approximately 80% of its components with the Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF). This commonality offers advantages in terms of maintenance, logistics, and training.

While originally designed for catapult-assisted takeoff but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) operations, the Rafale-M has been successfully tested for compatibility with India's ski-jump equipped carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

A Strategic Necessity​

The acquisition of Rafale-M jets comes at a crucial time for the Indian Navy. China's expanding carrier force and the development of advanced carrier-based aircraft pose a significant challenge to India's maritime security.

The Rafale-M, with its advanced capabilities and compatibility with India's existing naval infrastructure, will be a crucial asset in maintaining a balance of power in the region and safeguarding India's maritime interests.

 

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[sanket]

Good News, First Rafale M might b Inducted by 2028, so with over 200 Rafale backlog even then by Mid-2028 deliveries its sounds Good

 

[Anant]

So much for claims by folks who said the Rafale M acquisition was on hold or cancelled...

That said, this is a very expensive acquisition. Let's hope we can get TEDBF going and eventually not to have import more naval fighters.

 

[Rama Hota]

Nothing is good
why so many years late by the Indian Navy received it, others navy will have many 5 th generation fighter.

 

[Kira]

So much for claims by folks who said the Rafale M acquisition was on hold or cancelled...

That said, this is a very expensive acquisition. Let's hope we can get TEDBF going and eventually not to have import more naval fighters.

Very low hopes for TEDBF as IN probably won't have the budget to develop a totally new 4th Gen jet and that too in very limited numbers. Plus as shown by HAL on multiple occasions, they can't even get the job done with a much simpler plane in form of Tejas MK-1A or even MK-2, so it's very unlikely that they come up with TEDBF anytime soon.
So mostly likely, the IN will need to order another tranche of Rafale M(as 57 units originally intended) in near future and by the late 2030s, go directly for the naval AMCA and F-35.

 

[Sandeep]

It’s great news that a deal will be signed as we need to improve our fire power from our carriers and fill an empty carrier. The only problem is how long it will take to receive them?

In the news they have also said that a deal for 3 Kalvari submarines will also be signed at the same time next month which is another set of good news. We need to make an upgraded version though with more advanced technology, use indigenous weapons and an indigenous AIP.

 

[Shiva]

See, the acquisitions of Rafael and Rafael B are not merely direct import transactions; they represent a form of assistance or cooperation aimed at supporting the French economy.
India has always extended support to other economies in times of distress.
Due to the Ukraine war, the European economy has been struggling, and France has also been facing significant challenges.
All the recent deals with France seem to include this perspective as well.
Each deal serves as a critical lifeline, helping France avoid severe economic stagnation or recession333

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

So much for claims by folks who said the Rafale M acquisition was on hold or cancelled...

That said, this is a very expensive acquisition. Let's hope we can get TEDBF going and eventually not to have import more naval fighters.

Do you envision India operating a large carrier fleet in the forseeable future? If yes than ever effort to get the TEDBF flying should be made.
In my opinion TEDBF is a waste of resources and the nation must prioritise the AMCA development.
Submarines and drones might offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to Aircraft Carriers.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

See, the acquisitions of Rafael and Rafael B are not merely direct import transactions; they represent a form of assistance or cooperation aimed at supporting the French economy.

Without Russian Gas European economies will continue to suffer, Germany in particular. The US is not just weakening Russia through the War in Ukraine, it is also removing a competitor to its own industries in Europe.

 

[Anant]

Do you envision India operating a large carrier fleet in the forseeable future? If yes than ever effort to get the TEDBF flying should be made.
In my opinion TEDBF is a waste of resources and the nation must prioritise the AMCA development.
Submarines and drones might offer a more flexible and cost-effective alternative to Aircraft Carriers.

Boss, we will have three carriers at the least, which means three carrier wings. One of those is with the Rafale M. However, you also have the proposed three naval strike squadrons, plus trainers and attrition replacements. All that is easily an order of 130+ jets (52-55 jets for two carrier air wings plus 60 for three strike squadrons plus 15+ trainers and the like).

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Boss, we will have three carriers at the least, which means three carrier wings. One of those is with the Rafale M. However, you also have the proposed three naval strike squadrons, plus trainers and attrition replacements. All that is easily an order of 130+ jets (52-55 jets for two carrier air wings plus 60 for three strike squadrons plus 15+ trainers and the like).

Simultaneous development of 3 big-ticket aircrafts, Tejas Mk 2, AMCA & TEDBF is simply ill-adviced. Would be a big ask for even a major airplane maker like Boeing. Absolutely ridiculous to hope for HAL/ ADA to deliver such a miracle.