Rafale Marine Aircraft Deal: What is Rafale Marine Jet, which India is preparing to buy from France?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to France. Today he participated in the national parade of France. Earlier, he was also awarded the highest honor of France. India approved proposals to buy 26 naval prototypes of Rafale fighter jets and three French-designed Scorpene class submarines from France, even as PM Modi left for France. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, approved the procurement proposals that day. It is being said that PM Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron big procurement projects could be between Rs 80,000 crore to Rs 85,000 crore. During this, the deal of three Scorpene class submarines can be announced. The Indian Navy is in dire need of this, because the Navy currently has only 16 conventional submarines in service. These are also very old. The Navy needs new submarines and Project-75 India for six advanced conventional submarines is already late. If three additional submarines are announced with France, then the Navy can get some relief amidst the decreasing submarines.

Project-75 of India

This submarine will be built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in India only. These will have more indigenous content than the earlier Scorpene class submarines. Technology transfer deal from France was signed in October 2005 to make 6 submarines in India under Project-75. 5 Scorpene submarines made under this have joined the Navy. It is in the sixth trial phase.

What is the difference between Rafale jet and its Marine version?

The Rafale maritime combat aircraft are the naval version of the Rafale fighter jet, of which 36 are operated by the Indian Air Force. Built by France’s Dassault Aviation, the Rafales are advanced twin engine, multirole fighter jets equipped with latest weapon systems – including Meteor-Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Hammer Air to Surface smart weapon system, Scalp cruise missiles. Jets can carry exceptionally high payloads. Additionally, the jets are also equipped with some India-specific enhancements and can undertake a wide range of missions. The maritime version of the jets will be slightly different, given that they will operate from aircraft carriers at sea.

how many submarines does navy have

The submarines currently in service with the Navy include seven Russian Kilo-class submarines, four German HDW submarines and five French Scorpene class submarines. Of these, the Kilo class and HDW submarines are also out of date. Medium Refit- Life Certification (MRLC) program is underway to increase their life. In this, the submarine is upgraded and this increases its life by about 10-15 years. India had taken 10 kg class submarine from Russia. In this, Sindhurakshak was destroyed in an accident, Sindhuveer was given to Myanmar and Sindhudhvaj was decommissioned from Navy in July 2020 after 35 years of service. INS Sindhukirti, a Kilo class submarine, has recently undergone a normal refit.

Rafale M and MiG 29Ks

The Navy currently operates the MiG-29K from its aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. The Russian MiG-29K is a carrier-based multi-role fighter aircraft and can reach a maximum speed of twice the speed of sound (about 2,000 kmph) and can climb to an altitude of over 65,000 feet. It is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon systems and is capable of attacking targets in the air, sea or on land.