India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy.
The French jet has overcome competition from Boeing’s Super Hornet for an Indian Navy requirement for a new carrier-borne fighter contract.
India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France in September 2016 for the procurement of 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force at an estimated cost of US$9 billion. All 36 aircraft have been delivered and are now in service with the IAF.
The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) on the deal for 26 Rafale M fighter jets is expected to be formally announced in France during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing state visit.
The Indian Navy contract will include associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support.
An Indian Ministry of Defence spokesperson, said that the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.
Further, integration of Indian designed equipment and establishment of Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations, the spokesperson added.
The Indian Navy was originally looking to acquire 57 carrier-borne fighter aircraft to replace its fleet of Russian built MiG-29 Ks.
In addition to approving the Rafale M purchase, the DAC has also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under license from Naval Group of France.
It will also help the MDL in further enhancing its capability and expertise in submarine construction.
The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in India’s domestic defence sector.
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