An Indian defence delegation met with French defence officials in Paris, marking the formal launch of the Rafale Marine programme. The meeting, which took place at the Paris Air Show on Thursday, signifies a crucial step in strengthening maritime defence cooperation between India and France.
The Indian delegation was led by Dinesh Kumar, Joint Secretary and Acquisition Manager (Maritime Systems) in the Ministry of Defence. On the French side, Lt Gen Gael Diaz De Tuesta, Director General of Armament, headed the discussions. According to French defence officials, this bilateral engagement officially initiates the Rafale Marine programme, further solidifying the existing defence ties, as the Indian Air Force already operates Rafale aircraft.
This development is a significant milestone in India's ongoing efforts to enhance its naval aviation capabilities. The Rafale Marine fighter jet is intended to augment the Indian Air Force's existing fleet and will operate from aircraft carriers, including INS Vikrant, providing a substantial boost to maritime operations. These jets will feature advanced avionics, carrier landing gear, and weapons systems specifically tailored to the Indian Navy's requirements.
The acquisition of the Rafale Marine underscores the deepening strategic defence partnership between India and France. Both nations are committed to expanding their collaboration across various domains, including maritime security, joint development, and technology transfer. As India continues its military modernization drive, the Rafale Marine programme is poised to play a vital role in strengthening the Indian Navy's blue-water operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The agreement for the Rafale Marine jets includes not only the aircraft themselves but also comprehensive support, including pilot training, flight simulators, weapons, essential equipment, and long-term maintenance support. Moreover, it encompasses additional gear for the Rafale jets already in service with the Indian Air Force. In line with the Indian government's emphasis on "Aatmanirbhar Bharat" (self-reliant India), the agreement incorporates the transfer of technology for integrating indigenous weapons.
The Rafale Marine is designed to operate from aircraft carriers at sea, with features such as reinforced landing gear and a tail hook for safe takeoffs and landings. Its advanced avionics, including the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, enhance situational awareness and survivability. The aircraft is also built to resist the corrosive effects of seawater and marine environments and is equipped with specialized naval sensors and weapons for maritime combat operations.
The procurement of the Rafale Marine is part of a larger trend of increasing defence cooperation between India and France. This cooperation extends beyond simple purchases to include joint production and research, covering platforms like the Scorpene submarines, and collaboration in space. France was the first country with which India launched its first-ever Strategic Partnership on January 26, 1998. Key areas of cooperation include economic ties, defence collaboration, and space programs.
In addition to this, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi attended the 12th Key Leader Engagement hosted virtually by US Navy's Pacific Fleet Admiral Stephen T. Koehler. Admiral Tripathi emphasized achieving maritime security in the Indo-Pacific through innovation and technology.
