- Friday, February 28, 2025
As per the proposals, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater Rafale Marine planes along with four trainer aircraft.
By: Shubham Ghosh
INDIA is set to purchase 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene-class submarines from France, marking a significant development in defence procurement.
The proposals, put forth by the defence forces, are expected to be announced during prime minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France, Indian government sources told Asian News International.
As per the proposals, the Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seater Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft, addressing the urgent need to overcome shortages and enhance security capabilities.
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The acquisition of Rafales is crucial for the INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant aircraft carriers, which currently operate MiG-29s. The inclusion of the Rafales will enable efficient operations on both carriers.
Additionally, under the Project 75, the Navy plans to acquire three Scorpene-class submarines through the repeat clause, with construction taking place at Mazagon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai.
Although the deals are estimated to be valued at over Rs 90,000 crore, the final cost will be determined through contract negotiations after the official announcement. India is expected to seek price concessions and emphasise greater “Make-in-India” content in the agreements. A joint negotiation team comprising representatives from India and France is anticipated, similar to the previous Rafale deal for 36 fighter aircraft.
High-level discussions have already taken place within India’s defense ministry regarding these proposals. They are likely to be presented to the Defence Acquisition Council for approval in the coming days, with the government expected to grant ‘acceptance of necessity’ before the official announcement in France.
(With agency inputs)
