In a major strategic move, the Indian government has approved the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine (Rafale-M) fighter jets from France, aimed at significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. The deal, valued at approximately ₹63,000 crore, is seen as a critical step toward modernizing India’s maritime defense in an increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region.
Key Features of the Rafale-M Jets
The Rafale-M is a carrier-based variant of the Rafale fighter jet, developed by Dassault Aviation. Tailored for naval operations, these jets feature:
- Reinforced landing gear for carrier operations
- Tailhook for arrested landings
- Folding wings for hangar storage
- Advanced radar and electronic warfare systems
- Compatibility with a wide range of precision-guided munitions and air-to-air missiles
Deployment on INS Vikrant
The jets are expected to be deployed on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, which was commissioned in 2022. This will allow the Navy to project air power from sea, bolstering India’s blue-water capabilities and response time during regional conflicts.
Strategic Implications for the Indo-Pacific
With China’s increasing assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India’s procurement of Rafale-Ms sends a strong message of deterrence. These aircraft are expected to play a vital role in maritime surveillance, force projection, and air superiority missions.
Comprehensive Support Package
The deal includes:
- Weapons systems
- Training for Navy personnel
- Maintenance and logistical support
- Simulators and spare parts
This package ensures not only the delivery of the aircraft but also long-term operational readiness.
A Follow-up to the Air Force Deal
This order follows the successful induction of 36 Rafale jets into the Indian Air Force between 2020 and 2022. The Navy had long been evaluating the Rafale-M and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet, with the Rafale-M emerging as the preferred choice after extensive trials.
Conclusion
The Rafale-M deal marks a transformative moment in India’s maritime defense strategy. As regional tensions rise and security dynamics shift in the Indo-Pacific, India’s naval modernization efforts — led by platforms like the Rafale-M — are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining balance and securing national interests at sea.
Curated by Gurdeep Singh, Senior Editor http://www.boldvoices.in
BoldVoices.in 
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