SOURCE: AFI
In a transformative move for its naval aviation, India is poised to spend $7.6 billion on 26 Rafale-M (Marine) fighter jets from France. At an eye-watering $292 million per jet, this deal has sparked debates about cost, but it’s far more than a simple purchase of aircraft—it’s a strategic pivot to secure India’s maritime dominance and address a critical operational gap.
The story begins with a milestone: the commissioning of India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, on September 2, 2022. While this showcased India’s technological prowess and political resolve, it also exposed a glaring weakness—insufficient carrier-based fighter jets. The Rafale-M deal is India’s answer to this challenge, and here’s why it’s a game-changer.
The commissioning of INS Vikrant was a proud moment, proving India could build one of the world’s largest warships. However, it magnified a long-standing issue for the Indian Navy: a shortage of fighter aircraft to operate from its carriers. Currently, the Navy relies on two squadrons of Russian-built MiG-29K and MiG-29KUB jets, totaling 41 aircraft after a series of accidents reduced the original order of 45. These jets serve both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, India’s other operational carrier. With two carriers to equip, 41 MiG-29Ks fall woefully short of the required numbers.
Compounding the problem, the MiG-29Ks have been plagued by reliability issues—high maintenance demands, poor engine life, and frequent breakdowns. These limitations have strained the Navy’s operational readiness, pushing it to seek a modern, dependable alternative. By July 2023, India initiated formal negotiations with France for 26 Rafale-M jets, designed specifically for carrier operations. Reports now suggest the deal is nearing its conclusion, with price and after-sales support negotiations almost finalized. The agreement is expected to be signed in April 2025, with deliveries starting 48 months later and concluding by 2031, equipping the Navy with a full complement of 26 advanced fighters.
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