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India to Seal Deal with France for 26 Rafale-M Jets and 3 Scorpene Submarines by January 2025.
On December 2, 2024, Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, Chief of the Indian Navy, announced during a press conference that a defense agreement with France is expected to be signed by January 2025. The agreement includes the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M naval fighter jets and the constructing of three additional Scorpene-class submarines, as reported by Financial Express. This collaboration reflects the growing strategic relationship between New Delhi and Paris, aimed at addressing increasing security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, marked by China's maritime expansion and Pakistan's naval activities.
The Rafale-M is optimized for maritime operations, featuring a reinforced structure and landing gear tailored for catapult launches and deck landings (Picture source: French MoD)
Admiral Tripathi emphasized the importance of this agreement in a context where India closely monitors naval movements in the Indian Ocean. China's maritime ambitions, supported by research and satellite-tracking vessels, as well as its military collaborations with Pakistan, necessitate India's efforts to enhance its fleet and maintain strategic balance in this critical region.
India began incorporating Rafale fighter jets into its arsenal in 2016 after signing a contract with France for 36 aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Deliveries commenced in 2019 and concluded in 2022. These aircraft, designed for various missions such as air superiority, defense, and deep strikes, have proven effective within the IAF. In July 2023, India approved the purchase of 26 Rafale-M naval variants to equip its aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, with the agreement expected to be finalized in the coming months.
The Rafale-M is optimized for maritime operations, featuring a reinforced structure and landing gear tailored for catapult launches and deck landings. Powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, it can achieve speeds exceeding Mach 1.8 and has a combat radius of over 1,850 km. Equipped with advanced weaponry such as Meteor air-to-air missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, and Exocet anti-ship missiles, it is versatile enough to conduct diverse missions, including air defense and deterrence. The aircraft also incorporates cutting-edge technologies like the RBE2-AA AESA radar and the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, ensuring precise threat detection and robust defensive capabilities.
Since 2005, India has relied on Scorpene submarines to strengthen its underwater capabilities. Built locally at Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai under the P75 program, these submarines represent a key collaboration between India and Naval Group. The first unit, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in December 2017, followed by five additional deliveries completed by 2021. These diesel-electric submarines, equipped with MESMA air-independent propulsion (AIP), provide extended underwater endurance and enhanced stealth.
India launches Vagsheer, the sixth Kalvari-class submarine with a Scorpene design, fully built domestically. (Picture source: Naval Group)
Scorpene submarines feature six NATO-standard 533 mm torpedo tubes capable of deploying up to 18 heavy torpedoes, SM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles, or mines. They offer advanced detection and defense capabilities integrated with SUBTICS combat systems and Thales S-Cube sonar. In July 2023, India expressed its intention to acquire three additional Scorpene submarines with increased indigenous components to bolster its submarine fleet in response to evolving Indo-Pacific challenges.
This agreement highlights the depth of the strategic partnership between India and France, underpinned by technology transfers and local manufacturing projects. Dassault Aviation plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) center in Uttar Pradesh to support India's Rafale and Mirage 2000 fleets. Similarly, Naval Group has committed to increasing local components in the new Scorpene submarines, further advancing India's defense industry.
The acquisition of Rafale-M jets and Scorpene submarines aligns with India’s broader strategy to strengthen its deterrence and intervention capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. These assets will enable India to safeguard its maritime interests and maintain strategic stability amid China's growing influence and Pakistan's naval ambitions. With these developments, India aims to modernize its armed forces and establish itself as a significant naval power in the region.