1 week Ago By Moneycontrol
The Centre on Wednesday approved the Rs 63,000 crore deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter aircrafts from, which includes 22 single-seat jets and 4 twin-seats trainers. The deal, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security led by PM ModI, aims to boost India’s naval prowess amid growing concerns from China in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) These jets will be delivered in 37 to 65 months after the contract is inked and will primarily be operated from the indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Edge to Indian Navy The induction of the French Rafale-M will strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities against China.
The 4.5-generation fighter jet is equipped with advanced avionics, upgraded radar, cutting-edge electronic warfare systems , and improved dogfighting capabilities. Rafale-M is also lighter and more manoeuvrable than China’s J-15 fighters, which operate from its aircraft carriers.
The Navy, with the introduction of Rafale-M, will have a quick-strike capability against potential threats, whether in the Strait of Malacca, the South China Sea, or near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Navy currently operates MiG-29K jets, from INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, which have been affected by poor serviceability and other problems over the years. Meanwhile, India is also finalising the Rs 33,500 crore deal for the three additional diesel-electric Scorpene submarines which will enhance India’s naval capabilities.
These submarines will be constructed by Mazagon Docks (MDL) in collaboration with the French M/s Naval Group. The first of the three additional Scorpenes will roll out of MDL in six years, followed by the other two at intervals of a year each, after the contract is inked..
