Indian Navy To Procure 26 Rafale-M Fighters and 3 Attack Submarines From France

In a landmark move aimed at enhancing India’s naval capabilities, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for the Indian Navy. This decision is a significant development following India’s acquisition of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force in 2016.

During his visit to France, Prime Minister Modi revealed that the agreement for the naval jets is set to be finalized, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to strengthening its maritime defence. These naval fighter jets are specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations, featuring reinforced landing gear, robust airframes, and folding wings for compact storage on carrier decks.

Unlike their air force counterparts, Naval jets possess specialized avionics, sensors, and communication equipment for maritime operations. Built to withstand the challenges of saltwater environments, these jets incorporate corrosion-resistant materials and coatings. With their smaller size and lighter weight, they maximize efficiency while accommodating the limited space available on aircraft carriers.

While naval fighter jets generally have shorter ranges, they boast in-flight refuelling capabilities, ensuring extended operational endurance during critical missions. Furthermore, carrier-based operations demand specific skill sets from naval pilots, necessitating unique training to enable precision takeoffs and landings on dynamic carrier decks.

To further bolster India’s naval strength, the agreement signed by Prime Minister Modi also entails the construction of three additional Kalveri class submarines at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dockyards. This move aligns with the “Make in India” initiative, reinforcing domestic manufacturing capabilities and fostering indigenous production of advanced defence equipment.

The acquisition of the Rafale-M jets and the construction of submarines herald a significant leap forward for India’s maritime defence. Intending to fortify the Indian Navy’s capabilities, this strategic move underscores the nation’s commitment to securing its naval interests and protecting vital sea lanes.

The agreement strengthens the longstanding defence cooperation between India and France and serves as a testament to the growing relationship between the two nations. This collaboration highlights India’s proactive approach toward building a robust naval fleet, effectively positioning itself as a formidable regional force.

As India takes these decisive steps toward bolstering its naval power, the nation demonstrates its unwavering commitment to maintaining regional stability and securing its interests in the maritime domain.

Reference: Rtv online, India Today, DailyO

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