Context: The Cabinet Committee on Security has approved a ₹63,000-crore deal for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy.
Major Highlights of the Deal
Aircraft Composition:
The deal includes a total of 26 Rafale-M jets —
• 22 single-seater, carrier-capable fighter jets
• 4 twin-seater trainer jets (non-carrier compatible)Delivery Timeline:
• Delivery will commence 3.5 years after the contract is signed
• Full delivery is expected to be completed within 6.5 years
Rafale-M Fighter Jet
Type: 4.5th Generation Multirole Fighter Aircraft
Design & Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation, France
Configuration: Twin-engine, canard delta wing
Role: Omnirole – capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground missions simultaneously
Designed For:
• Maritime strike operations
• Air defence missions
• Reconnaissance
• Nuclear weapon delivery capabilityCombat Range:
• Minimum: 780 km
• Maximum: 1850 kmArmament:
• Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles – ~70 km range
• MICA air-to-air missiles – ~70 km range
• Meteor air-to-air missiles – 120–150 km strike range
• SCALP air-to-ground cruise missile – over 300 km rangeComparison with IAF Variant:
• Indian Air Force operates 36 Rafale jets, procured under a ₹60,000-crore deal in September 2016
• Rafale-M is slightly heavier than the IAF variant due to naval-specific modificationsStrategic Significance:
• The 26 Rafale-M jets will be deployed aboard INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya
• Enhances Indian Navy’s combat readiness and maritime strike capabilities
• Will supplement/replace existing MiG-29K jets currently in use on Indian aircraft carriers