(Image source from: x.com/Dassault_OnAir)

On Monday, India finalized an impressive deal worth Rs 63,000 crore for the procurement of 26 Rafale M fighter jets, specifically designed for naval operations, from France. This marks a significant achievement in government-to-government agreements. The contract is set to deliver 22 single-seat aircraft and four dual-seat trainers, with completion anticipated by 2031. Additionally, the agreement encompasses fleet maintenance, logistical assistance, and training for personnel, while also aligning with the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative by emphasizing the indigenous manufacturing of components as part of offset commitments. The Rafale M is recognized as one of the most sophisticated naval fighter jets globally, and currently, only the French Navy operates this aircraft. It boasts landing gears from Safran Group, known for their robustness in carrier-compatible aircraft, alongside features like folding wings and a reinforced undercarriage, designed to endure demanding conditions during landings on decks and tailhook operations.

These advanced jets will be stationed on the aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing India's maritime capabilities and addressing potential threats within the Indian Ocean. This acquisition will succeed the aging fleet of MiG-29Ks. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi mentioned in December that the strategy is being adjusted to counter any incursions in operational areas and that the Navy is prepared to address threats from neighboring countries. The Indian Air Force has already deployed 36 Rafale fighters, and the addition of these naval variants will also bolster its operational abilities, particularly through the enhancement of the 'buddy-buddy' refueling system. This capability enables one aircraft equipped with a refueling pod to serve as a tanker for another, extending the duration that the fighters can remain airborne. Furthermore, the Navy is set to introduce indigenous fifth-generation fighter jets currently being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). These jets, referred to as twin-engine, deck-based fighters, will serve as the naval counterpart to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) developed for the Air Force. The Air Force’s 36 Rafale aircraft, classified as the 'C' variant, operate from two bases located in northern India.