“The Indian Navy is set to significantly enhance its carrier-based air combat capabilities with Rafale Marine aircraft from France’s Dassault. The deal, cleared under the government-to-government route, includes 22 single-seater Rafale-Ms and 4 twin-seater trainer variants, customized for maritime operations. These aircraft will operate from the two Indian carriers: INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, providing critical air support and protection for the country’s assets in the Indian Ocean Region.
“The Rafale-M aircraft come equipped with avionics, radar systems, and the ability to carry a wide range of precision-guided munitions, including beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles and anti-ship weapons. Their compatibility with the Short Take-Off but Arrested Recovery (STOBAR) system of India’s aircraft carriers makes them ideal for naval deployment also making them a key asset for blue-water operations.
“This procurement comes at a time of increasing strategic concern over China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The PLA Navy has rapidly modernized its carrier operation with the indigenous production of both the Shandong and newly launched Fujian aircraft carriers. Coupled with regular Chinese patrols near the Indian Ocean chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and deepening maritime ties with countries in India’s periphery such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, India faces an evolving multi-dimensional threat environment.
“China’s emphasis on power projection through its carrier strike groups and the deployment of long-range naval aviation assets underscores the urgency for India to field technologically advanced carrier-borne fighters. The Rafale-M’s ability to perform fleet air defense, maritime strike, and area-denial roles will serve as a strong deterrent, especially in contested zones in the Indian Ocean region.
“According to GlobalData’s report ‘The Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market 2024-2034,” India is expected to invest about $87.5 billion on procuring various military fixed-wing aircraft over the next ten years, highlighting the country’s focus on enhancing its aerial combat capabilities. With the Rafale-M complementing the aging MiG-29K fleet, the Indian Navy is set to undergo a generational upgrade in capability. Beyond operational gains, the deal is also expected to spur deeper defense-industrial collaboration between India and France, which in turn will contribute towards India’s long-term push for strategic autonomy and technological self-reliance.”
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