Negotiations for €7 Billion Rafale-M Fighter Jet Procurement Finalized, Indian Navy Prioritizes Astra Mk1 and Meteor BVRAAM Missile Integration

India and France have concluded negotiations for the purchase of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets, a deal estimated to be worth around €7 billion (approximately $7.6 billion USD). A formal signing of the agreement is anticipated in April, coinciding with a visit from the French Defence Minister to India.

This procurement represents a vital move in bolstering the Indian Navy's air capabilities at sea. The advanced Rafale-M fighters are slated for deployment on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. This will substantially increase the operational reach and effectiveness of these carriers, particularly within the strategically important Indo-Pacific region.

The Rafale-M is a specialized version of the Dassault Rafale, engineered specifically for operation from aircraft carriers. The procurement includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M aircraft, designed for both takeoff and landing on carrier decks and also includes four Rafale B trainer variant.

The Indian Navy's new Rafale-M jets will be equipped with the same advanced weaponry found on the Indian Air Force's existing fleet of 36 Rafale aircraft. This includes integration of the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) and the indigenously developed Astra Mk1 BVRAAM.

The Meteor missile, developed by MBDA, is widely considered one of the most capable air-to-air missiles in the world. It offers a "no-escape zone" significantly larger than that of older BVRAAMs, thanks to its ramjet propulsion system, giving it a range exceeding 100 kilometers.

The Astra Mk1, developed by India's DRDO, is a solid-fueled missile with a range also reported to be over 100 kilometers, and is designed for all-weather, day-and-night capability. The integration of both missiles provide flexibility on indigenous and foreign made missiles.

The combination of the Rafale-M's advanced radar and sensor suite, coupled with these long-range missiles, will significantly enhance the Indian Navy's ability to project power and maintain maritime dominance.

 

[Pankaj]

Though Rafale M is outstanding in performance, the deal is very costly as it is still a 4.5th gen jet. It would be great for the nation if the Indian Navy considers indigenous Tejas Mark 1A or Tejas Mark 2. In any case, we are not going to receive any Rafale and jets till mid-2028, and till then Tejas Mark 2 will be an equally capable fighter jet, ready for induction with little modifications.

 

[ku.nj727]

Don't we have any better alternative😮‍💨😮‍💨

 

[Yikes]

So freaking expensive! 24 nos for $7 billion???? Some 56-inch-tongued people are gonna get rich soon! We could have bought 60+ F-35Bs with the same amount. Damn, boi!

F-35 is around $200 million per aircraft with all the extra things, so not 60 but 35. Also, the F-35 has double the operational and maintenance cost compared to the Rafale.

 

[tlsmani]

F-35 is around $200 million per aircraft with all the extra things, so not 60 but 35. Also, the F-35 has double the operational and maintenance cost compared to the Rafale.

Pappu dynasty commission invisible cost u have to add had they done the deal.

 

[P2S2]

This is too much money, I would want navy to adopt F-35B and air force to get F35A. But if we can't get them then buy F18 instead.

I love the rafale more than F18 but 7 billion is insane.

It's not. Know how is beyond pricing. It adds to understanding francophone thought processes further. Hope Indian navy starts thinking of securing French assets that are being threatened worldwide. Jointly project itself from established infrastructure. Caledonia is presently in the eye of the storm.