India Set to Acquire 26 Rafale Marine Aircraft

India is on the verge of finalizing a significant defense deal involving the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France. This deal, estimated to cost around 7 billion Euros, encompasses not just the aircraft but also a comprehensive package of weapons, training, and logistical support. The agreement is expected to be signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to Paris in February. However, recent political developments in France may influence the timeline for this crucial agreement.

Details of the Rafale Marine Deal

The deal for the Rafale Marine aircraft is extensive. It includes not only the aircraft themselves but also a variety of essential components. These components consist of weapons, ancillary equipment, simulators, spare parts, documentation, and crew training. Additionally, the agreement will feature performance-based logistics support, ensuring that the Indian Navy can maintain operational readiness.

Sources within the defense and security establishment indicate that the deal’s signing may occur either ahead of or during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to France. However, clarity on the exact timing is still pending. The recent loss of a no-confidence motion by French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has introduced some uncertainty into the process. Under French law, government-to-government deals require signatures from the respective ministers, which could lead to slight delays.

Once the deal is signed, France is contractually obligated to deliver the first Rafale Marine aircraft within 37 months. Furthermore, within 18 months, Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer, will present a modified version of the Rafale Marine tailored to meet the Indian Navy’s specifications. These modifications are crucial for ensuring optimal performance of the aircraft when deployed from Indian aircraft carriers.

Future of India’s Naval Aviation: The TEDBF Program

In addition to the Rafale Marine deal, the Indian Navy is advancing its indigenous Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) program. This initiative has recently received clearance from all relevant ministries and is currently under review by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). Initially, the Navy proposed a requirement for 145 TEDBFs to support a three-carrier force. However, defense policy planners now suggest that the Navy should base its requirements on a two-carrier model, leading to a revised projection of approximately 87 TEDBFs.

The Navy is collaborating closely with the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) to expedite the development of the TEDBF. The first flight of this aircraft is anticipated by 2028. While formalities are being finalized, the Navy and ADA are already working on three prototypes of the Tejas Navy, funded by the allocated budget for the Tejas program.

The Navy has identified 14 essential upgrades for the TEDBF, including automatic landing and take-off capabilities, which the current Tejas Navy lacks. Notably, four of these technologies have already been tested and accepted on the Tejas Navy. This proactive approach aims to ensure that no time is wasted in advancing the TEDBF program while discussions on numbers and design continue.

In the past, the Navy expressed concerns about the Tejas Navy’s ability to meet its requirements, emphasizing the need for a twin-engine fighter. The Rafale Marine acquisition is seen as a temporary solution, while the TEDBF program represents the future of Indian naval aviation. As the Navy continues to refine its capabilities, the TEDBF is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing India’s maritime defense strategy.