India is set to boost its defense capabilities by acquiring 26 Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene class submarines from France in deals worth over Rs 90,000 crore ($13.3 billion). The agreements will likely be announced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France on July 13-14, where he will be honored at the Bastille Day Parade.
Rafale Jets for Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft and four trainer aircraft, which will operate from the aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant. The Rafale jets have the latest missiles, weapon systems, and India-specific modifications. The Navy had been pressing to acquire these aircraft urgently, as they have been facing shortages because of the security challenges around the country.
India has already received 36 Rafale jets from France, for which it signed a deal in 2016 worth Rs 59,000 crore ($8.7 billion). The delivery of the 36th jet was completed in December last year.
Scorpene Submarines for Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will also get three additional Scorpene class submarines, which will be built at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dockyards Limited under Project 75. The Scorpene submarines are diesel-electric attack submarines that can undertake various missions such as anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying, and area surveillance.
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India to buy 26 Rafales, 3 Scorpene submarines from France, deals likely to be announced during PM Modi’s visit
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India has already commissioned two Scorpene submarines, INS Kalvari, and INS Khanderi, while four more are under various stages of construction and trials.
Technology Transfer for Jet Engine: Besides the defense deals, India and France are also expected to announce a potential collaboration for 100 percent technology transfer for jet engine technology, which powers Indian advanced light helicopters.
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The jet engine, Shakti, is jointly developed by French company Safran and India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The technology transfer will enable India to produce the engine indigenously and reduce its import dependence.
The Strategic Partnership Between India and France: The defense deals are expected to strengthen the strategic partnership between India and France, which share common interests in the Indo-Pacific region and cooperate on various issues such as counter-terrorism, climate change, maritime security, and space exploration. Modi’s visit to France will include bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and a meeting with French business leaders.
