India will Purchase Rafale-M Jets and Scorpene Submarines, Navy Chief Says.

Deals for Rafale

India is progressing negotiations on defense deals aimed at strengthening its naval prowess as it acquires 26 Rafale-M fighter jets along with three more Scorpene-class submarines, Admiral R. Hari Kumar has said. The two purchases are strategically important in increasing maritime security, the navy chief said.

Rafale-M Fighter Jets

The Rafale-M is the naval variant of the French Rafale. It will give India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, the operational strength. Designed for carrier-based operations, these jets will provide superior air combat and surveillance capabilities. The purchase will include technology transfers and favorable pricing terms negotiated with France.

Scorpene-Class Submarines

India plans to purchase three more Scorpene-class submarines through its ongoing Project-75 project. To be built with French cooperation, the submarine will significantly boost India’s underwater defence capabilities as the Indo-Pacific region’s rising maritime threats intensify.
Both deals confirm India’s pursuit of the development of naval power as well as ties with France. Such procurements would strengthen India’s capacity for protecting maritime interests and ensure regional stability in a more profound way.