India May Buy 26 Rafales, Ink Sub Deal

NEW DELHI: Significant defence deals are expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France including the potential acquisition of a naval version of the Rafale fighter jet, a submarine deal, and the co-development of high-thrust jet engines. The Indian Navy is seeking to buy 26 fighter jets for deployment on its aircraft carriers.

The Defence Acquisition Council, led by defense minister Rajnath Singh, is scheduled to meet in the coming days to explore the possibility of procuring Dassault Aviation's maritime version of the Rafale fighter aircraft for India's indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

In addition to these defence discussions, Modi, the esteemed guest of honour at France's Bastille Day celebration, will join President Emmanuel Macron for a dinner at the Louvre museum on Friday. More than 200 guests will gather on France's national holiday to enjoy a special viewing of iconic artworks at the world's largest museum.

This visit marks Modi's fifth trip to France, where he will also privately dine with Macron and meet Indian artists who participated in the Namaste France festival, a cultural event showcasing the strong ties between both nations.

The contract for the fighter jets is being contested by French firm Dassault Aviation's Rafale-M and Boeing's F-A 18 Super Hornet. The Indian Navy's report favoured the Rafale as it met their requirements, and the procurement is expected to take place through a government-to-government agreement. Previously, India had signed a Rs 59,000 crore deal for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force, which are now stationed at Ambala and Hasimara air bases.

Modi commissioned the INS Vikrant in September 2022. Furthermore, the Navy may also acquire three Scorpene-class submarines under the repeat clause as part of Project 75, with construction taking place at Mazagon Dockyards Ltd in Mumbai. This acquisition is motivated by the growing threat from the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region, necessitating an increase in the number of submarines.

France has become a vital defence partner for India in recent years. During Modi's visit, discussions will also revolve around the potential co-development of engines for India's fifth-generation aircraft development programme, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).