Rafale Fighter Jet
Defence Ministry has waved a green flag for the acquisition of 26 Rafale fighter jets. Along with the fighter jets, 3 additional Scorpene submarines will be bought by India from France. The purchase of 26 Rafale M fighters from Dassault Aviation would satisfy the Indian Navy’s urgent need for carrier-based combat aircraft and will have the advantage of being compatible with the 36 Rafale planes already in use by the Indian Air Force.
India – France defense relations to strengthen because of acquisition Of 26 Rafale Fighter Jets
For the past 40 years, India has relied on French fighter aircraft. Prior to purchasing Rafale in 2015, India purchased Mirage fighters in the 1980s, which are still used by two air force units today.
The final of the six Scorpene-class diesel submarines that India purchased from France in 2005 for Rs 18,800 crore ($2.29 billion) will be put into service the following year.
Bilateral negotiations were anticipated to result in a deal for naval fighter jets prior to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trip to France. According to a report, the Indian Navy has been given the go-ahead to purchase 26 Rafale M fighter jets to satisfy pressing needs. A formal signing of the agreement was scheduled in the meantime because further negotiations will take time. The aforementioned jets are expected to cost about 5.5 billion euros.
Also Read: Chinese Exports Fell In June, Compounding Country’s Economic Woes
The 25th Anniversary of India-France Strategic Partnership
France is also anticipated to announce a technology transfer of helicopter engines to India, reflecting the trust and depth of the strategic alliance. This will enable India to achieve technological self-sufficiency in a crucial field and pave the way for Indo-French cooperation in engines over the following three to four decades.
The visit takes place on the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between France and India. In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of Indian independence in 2047, the two parties are likely to lay out the course for the following 25 years.
