DAC Approves Procurement Of 26 Rafale Jets, 3 Scorpene Submarines From France

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• Jul 13, 2023 | Dhupali Das

The Indian defence ministry approved plans to purchase 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from...

Digital Desk: The Indian defence ministry approved plans to purchase 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France on Thursday (July 13). The formal announcement of the deals is expected to take place during Prime Minister Modi's visit to France. 

Reportedly, the proposals were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, which was attended by Defence Minister Rajanth Singh, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan, and the three services chiefs and top officials. 

The Indian Navy will receive 22 single-seat Rafale Marine aircraft as well as four trainer aircraft. 

The Indian prime minister has embarked upon an important visit to France and he will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade on July 14. 

Amid safety concerns and escalating Chinese threats in the Indo-Pacific area, the Indian Navy advocated for the acquisition of these fighter planes and submarines as soon as possible, citing the force's shortages. 

The aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant have been using MiG-29s and require Rafales for operations on both carriers.

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Meanwhile, the Navy would acquire three Scorpene class submarines under the repeated clause as part of Project 75, and Kalveri class submarines would be built at the Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL) in Mumbai. 

These government-to-government deals are anticipated to be worth more than Rs 90,000 crore, but the ultimate cost would be known only following contract talks, which will take place after the deal is announced. 

Rafale jets in India

Rafale fighter jets from France are an important part of India's army. Under an intergovernmental framework, New Delhi purchased 36 Rafale jets from Paris. The Rafale jets are India's first major procurement of fighter planes in 23 years, following the import of Sukhoi jets from Russia.

Dassault Aviation designed and manufactured the Rafale, a twin-engine, canard delta wing, multi-role fighter aircraft. The Rafale jets are capable of carrying a number of powerful weapons.

According to Dassault Aviation's official website, the Rafale is involved in continuous "Quick Reaction Alert" (QRA) / air-defence/air policing missions, nuclear deterrence duties, power projection and deployments for external missions, deep strike missions, air support for ground forces, reconnaissance missions, and pilot training sorties.