India & France Begin Contract Negotiations For $600 Million 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jet Deal

Contract negotiations between the Indian and French governments for acquiring 26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jets worth Rs. 50,000 crore have begun.

The negotiations, set to begin on May 30, 2024, represent a significant step forward in the two countries’ defence cooperation.

According to sources reported by ANI, a high-level French team will arrive in New Delhi to begin official negotiations.

The French team, which includes defence ministry officials and industry giants such as Dassault Aviation and Thales, will meet with their Indian defence ministry counterparts to negotiate the fighter jet deal designed for the Indian Navy.

The acquisition of these advanced aircraft is critical to India’s naval strategy.

The country plans to operate them from both INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, its powerful aircraft carriers.

The Indian Navy, under the direction of its Chief, is determined to accelerate the project timeframe to ensure that these jets are completed and incorporated into its fleet as soon as possible.

France immediately responded to India’s procurement of 26 Rafale Marine fighter Jets in December, providing an extensive proposal.

Since then, the Indian Navy has thoroughly examined the French bid, evaluating the monetary elements and the detailed intricacies of the proposed contract.

As the negotiations progress, both parties prepare for intense conversations, aware of the significance of the government-to-government contract.

Indian officials are preparing for challenging discussions with their French counterparts to complete the negotiations before the end of the financial year.

The Indian Navy’s efforts to expand operational capabilities by acquiring Rafale Marine fighter jets demonstrate its determination to strengthen its defence capabilities.

As negotiations continue, the emphasis remains on establishing a streamlined process that allows for the timely integration of these advanced aircraft into the Indian Navy’s fleet.

Reference: ANI

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Source: Maritime Shipping News