Navy set to finalise Rs 60,000 crore Rafale M deal: All about game-changing jets

In a major step toward strengthening its maritime defence capabilities, the Indian Navy is set to sign a deal for 26 Rafale M (Marine) fighter jets with Dassault Aviation.

The Rs 60,000 crore (USD 7.2 billion) agreement, confirmed by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, is poised to elevate India’s naval prowess amid escalating challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

THE RAFALE M: KEY FEATURES AND ADVANTAGES
The Rafale M, a naval version of the Rafale fighter jet, is designed specifically for carrier-based operations. Its notable attributes include:

Optimised for Aircraft Carriers: Featuring reinforced landing gear, arrester hooks, and a robust frame, the Rafale M is tailored for operations on carriers such as INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. It excels in Short Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) operations, making it well-suited to India’s naval needs.

Advanced Weaponry and Technology: Equipped with weapons like Meteor for air combat, Exocet for anti-ship missions, and SCALP for precision ground strikes, the jet ensures versatile combat capabilities. Its AESA radar enhances detection and tracking, while the Spectra electronic warfare suite bolsters stealth and survivability.

High Performance: Capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 1.8 and a combat range of over 1,850 km, the Rafale M is further supported by mid-air refuelling capability, extending its operational reach.

Seamless Integration: The jet is designed to align with existing naval systems, enabling smooth interoperability with radar networks and missile platforms, enhancing India’s network-centric warfare strategy.

STRATEGIC AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS
The induction of Rafale M jets will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s capabilities, particularly in air superiority, anti-ship missions, and precision strikes.These jets, with their ability to operate from aircraft carriers, will provide India with a critical edge for maritime dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.

Economically, the deal incorporates offset clauses that will encourage local defence manufacturing and foster partnerships with Indian defence firms, advancing the “Make in India” initiative.

COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT
The Rs 60,000 crore package includes more than just aircraft procurement. It encompasses:

Maintenance and logistics support for the Rafale M fleet.
Training programs for Navy personnel on operating and maintaining the jets.
Contributions to domestic manufacturing under offset obligations.

A STRATEGIC INVESTMENT
While the deal’s cost is significant, its long-term benefits for India’s maritime security make it a strategic necessity. The Rafale M jets are expected to strengthen the Navy’s deterrence capabilities, especially against regional adversaries such as China and Pakistan, while also ensuring preparedness for emerging challenges in the Indo-Pacific.