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Rajouri, April 28: The Governments of India and France have signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) worth Rs 63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale aircraft (22 single-seater and four twin-seater) for the Indian Navy.
The Ministry of Defence stated that the deal includes training, simulators, associated equipment, weapons, and performance-based logistics. It also covers additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The IGA was signed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the French Minister of Armed Forces, Mr. Sebastien Lecornu. The signed copies of the agreement, the aircraft package supply protocol, and the weapons package supply protocol were exchanged by Indian and French officials in the presence of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh at Nausena Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday (April 28).
“In line with the Government’s thrust on Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement includes transfer of technology for the integration of indigenous weapons in India. It also includes the setting up of a production facility for the Rafale fuselage, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons in India,” the Ministry of Defence said.
The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significant revenue for many MSMEs involved in setting up, producing, and operating of these facilities.
Manufactured by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafale-Marine is a carrier-borne, combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in a maritime environment. The delivery of these aircraft is set to begin from mid-May and is likely to be completed by 2030, with crew training to take place both in France and India.
The Rafale-Marine shares commonality with the Rafale operated by the IAF, enhancing joint operational capability and optimizing training and logistics for both the Indian Navy and IAF.
The induction of these aircraft will serve as a potent force multiplier for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, significantly boosting the nation’s air power at sea.
Officials added that, among other weapons, the ASTRA Mk1 air-to-air Beyond Visual Range missile will be integrated into the aircraft.
