The Indian Navy is poised to initiate formal cost negotiations with a high-level French delegation for the acquisition of 26 Rafale M fighter jets intended for its two aircraft carriers. The deal, estimated at around four billion euros (under Rs 40,000 crore), will cover the basic cost of the aircraft, excluding missiles and maintenance contracts.
Upcoming Talks and Delegation Visit
The initial round of discussions is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on May 30, 2024. The French delegation will include senior officials from their defense ministry, industry representatives, and executives from Dassault Aviation and Thales, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). Although the contract will be signed post the formation of the new government, the French side had submitted their detailed bid last December with the aim to finalize the contract within this fiscal year and begin deliveries three years later. This government-to-government deal will be based on intergovernmental agreements (IGA), reflecting direct negotiations between the involved governments.
Image source- EurAsian Times
Approval and Aircraft Specifications
In July of the previous year, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the purchase of 26 Rafale M fighters, which includes 22 fighter jets and four trainers. This approval underlines the government’s commitment to enhancing the Indian Navy’s aviation capabilities.
Cost Negotiations
The final price will be contingent on the specific requirements of the Indian Navy. However, sources within the defense and security establishment suggest that costs could be minimized by adopting the French operational model. In France, both the Navy and Air Force operate Rafale fighters with shared maintenance and stores. India, with 36 Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF), can leverage a similar approach to reduce overall contract costs.
The IAF has already established two Rafale squadrons at Hasimara and Ambala, each with its own stores and simulators, and may consider acquiring additional Rafale jets. Despite earlier indications that the Indian Navy was preparing to send bid papers to France, no joint acquisition with the IAF is planned.
No Joint Acquisition
Sources indicate that a joint acquisition would have reduced costs and potentially led to the establishment of a new production line in India. However, setting up a production line for a limited number of jets is not deemed financially viable.
Rafale M Capabilities and Advantages
The Rafale M was selected over the American F/A-18 Super Hornets due to its superior performance in rigorous testing at Goa’s shore-based test facility.
A significant advantage of the Rafale M is its compatibility with the IAF’s existing Rafale fleet, which is expected to reduce costs related to spares and maintenance, as both aircraft share about 80 percent of their components.
The Rafale M is designed with reinforced nose and landing gear to withstand the challenging conditions of aircraft carrier operations.
Specifications
The Rafale M, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is a versatile, single-seat aircraft capable of performing multiple missions such as air defense, nuclear deterrence, deep strikes, and reconnaissance. It has a wingspan of 10.90 meters, a length of 15.30 meters, and a height of 5.30 meters.
The aircraft can take off with a maximum weight of 24.5 Tonnes and carry an external load of up to 9.5 tones. It can reach a top speed of 750 knots (1,389 km/h) and operate efficiently at altitudes up to 50,000 feet.
Image source-EurAsian Times
Operational Capabilities
The Rafale M excels in both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. It supports a variety of armaments, including the long-range Meteor missile, MICA missiles, HAMMER, SCALP, AM39 EXOCET, laser-guided bombs, and a 2,500 rounds-per-minute NEXTER internal cannon.
Described by the OEM as an “omnirole aircraft,” the Rafale M can adapt to diverse combat scenarios and threats, making it an invaluable asset for the Indian Navy.
