The Rafale-M is generally regarded as one of the best such fighters in the world
New Delhi:
From the carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, dominating the skies, these cutting-edge jets will give India’s naval power a big boost, thwarting threats in the Indian Ocean. The Rafale-M is regarded universally as one of the most advanced fighters of its type in the world and is only flown currently by the French Navy. The deal consists of 22 single-seat Rafale-M aircraft and four two-seat trainers, and deliveries will begin in a matter of years and should be finalized by 2031.
The Rafale-M fighter aircraft will be deployed from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, and will replace the aging MiG-29K fleet. The French Defence Minister, who was to have attended the event, will not be present in India.
The agreement will be signed by the Defence Secretary and officials of the French company Dassault Aviation. The aerospace company is likely to integrate Indian missiles like the Astra, as part of India’s self-reliance initiatives.
The deal also enhances India-France strategic partnership, with future co-production and technology transfer on the cards.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) currently has 36 Rafale combat aircraft.
India gave the clearance for the biggest-ever defence deal for the 26 Rafale-M fighter jets on April 9 in a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The new purchase will bring the overall Rafale fleet in India to 62, hugely augmenting its fleet of 4.5-generation fighter jets.
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