India approves acquisition of 26 naval Rafale jets and 3 Scorpene submarines for the Navy.

NEW DELHI: The defence ministry has approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene diesel-electric submarines from France. The Defence Acquisitions Council (DAC) led by Rajnath Singh has given the ‘acceptance of necessity (AoN)’ for the Navy. The two proposed mega deals, worth upwards of Rs 80,000 crore (9 billion), will be formally announced at the Modi-Macron summit on Friday. The contracts will be signed after extensive negotiations and final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The Rafale-M deal includes the purchase of 22 single-seat jets, four twin-seat trainers, and associated equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, crew training, and logistic support. The cost of this deal is estimated to be around Rs 50,000 crore. The three Scorpene submarines, to be constructed at the Mazagon Docks in Mumbai, will cost around Rs 30,000 crore. The first submarine is expected to roll out in five to six years after the contract is signed. The Navy is in urgent need of these acquisitions as it is facing a depleting submarine fleet and a shortage of fighters for its aircraft carriers. The Navy currently has 40 MiG-29K jets for its two carriers, but these have been plagued by poor serviceability and other problems. The Rafale-M jets will serve as an interim measure until the indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter becomes operational. The final prices of both deals will be determined through negotiations with the French government, taking into account the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.

The Navy has selected the Rafale-M fighters over the American F/A-18 Super Hornet after extensive trials conducted last year. The Indian Air Force has already inducted 36 Rafales under a previous deal. The Navy’s current fleet of conventional submarines is also insufficient, which makes the acquisition of the Scorpene submarines crucial. The first six Scorpene submarines, constructed under ‘Project-75’, will be retrofitted with indigenous air-independent propulsion. The new submarines will be equipped with air-independent propulsion developed by DRDO for greater underwater endurance. The acquisition of these fighter jets and submarines will significantly enhance the Navy’s capabilities and strengthen India’s defence forces.

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