India is advancing its naval capabilities by signing deal for 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France. This government-to-government agreement, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore, is set to be formalised by Defence ministers remotely. The signing will be overseen by Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and French ambassador Thierry Mathou. This procurement aligns with India’s ongoing efforts to modernise its military and enhance its self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
Background of Rafale-M Procurement
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved this procurement in early April. The deal includes 22 single-seater jets capable of operating from aircraft carriers and four twin-seater trainer jets. The delivery is expected to begin in 2028-29 and conclude by 2031-32. This acquisition follows earlier approvals by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in July 2023.
Specifications and Features
The Rafale-M jets will come with essential equipment, including weapons, simulators, spares, and logistic support. The trainer jets will not be carrier-compatible. The procurement is part of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the French government, ensuring streamlined processes and support.
Strategic Importance
The Rafale-M jets serve as an interim solution for the Indian Navy as it phases out the MiG-29 Ks. These aircraft will operate from the Navy’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously-built INS Vikrant, until the development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter is completed. The decision to procure Rafale-M jets enhances India’s naval airpower .
Comparison with Competitors
The competition for the Navy’s fighter jet deal included Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet. Although both aircraft met the Navy’s requirements, the Rafale-M was favoured due to its compatibility with existing Indian Air Force Rafale jets. This commonality ensures logistical efficiency and operational readiness.
Geopolitical Context
The procurement occurs against a backdrop of rising tensions in the region. The recent Pahalgam terror attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals, has telld the need for enhanced military readiness. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed condolences to PM Modi, denoting the diplomatic ties between India and France.
Future Implications
This deal reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities and pursuing self-reliance in military hardware. The collaboration with France is expected to encourage co-production and co-development initiatives in the future, aligning with India’s strategic defence objectives.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the significance of the Rafale-M deal for India’s naval capabilities.
- What are the implications of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on defence procurement for India?
- Estimate the impact of geopolitical tensions on India’s defence procurement strategies.
- Point out the advantages and disadvantages of co-production in military hardware development.
Answer Hints:
1. Critically analyse the significance of the Rafale-M deal for India’s naval capabilities.
- Enhances naval airpower with 26 advanced fighter jets for aircraft carriers.
- Provides interim solution as MiG-29 Ks are phased out, ensuring operational readiness.
- Commonality with IAF Rafale jets streamlines logistics and maintenance.
- Supports India’s strategic goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
- Strengthens military deterrence amidst regional tensions, particularly with China and Pakistan.
2. What are the implications of the Inter-Governmental Agreement on defence procurement for India?
- Facilitates streamlined processes between governments, reducing bureaucratic delays.
- Ensures better quality control and reliability of defence equipment.
- Encourages long-term strategic partnerships and technology transfer agreements.
- Promotes co-development and co-production, enhancing indigenous capabilities.
- Strengthens diplomatic ties and military cooperation with partner countries.
3. Estimate the impact of geopolitical tensions on India’s defence procurement strategies.
- Increased urgency to modernize military capabilities in response to regional threats.
- Shifts focus towards acquiring advanced technology and equipment from trusted allies.
- Encourages diversification of procurement sources to reduce dependency on any single nation.
- Promotes the development of indigenous defence projects to ensure self-reliance.
- Heightens budget allocations for defence to enhance readiness and deterrence capabilities.
4. Point out the advantages and disadvantages of co-production in military hardware development.
- Advantages include enhanced local expertise and job creation in defence sectors.
- Improves supply chain resilience and reduces dependency on foreign suppliers.
- Facilitates technology transfer and innovation in domestic industries.
- Disadvantages may include high initial investment costs and complex management structures.
- Risk of delays and inefficiencies if local capabilities are not adequately developed.
