As the French government has written back to India regarding the Rs 50,000 crore tender to purchase 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, the Indian Navy is now getting closer to revamping its naval arsenal like never before.
It has been reported that officials privy to the ambitious defense deal will now conduct a detailed study of the bid.
The deal is widely expected to strengthen the operational capabilities of India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
India-France Rafale jet deal
In a bid to augment the Indian Navy's aircraft carrier capabilities, India initiated an ambitious Rs 50,000 crore deal with France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft. Negotiations for the deal are reportedly underway between both governments as a Letter of Request had recently reached the French government.
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The decision to improvise the Indian Navy's fighter aircraft fleet marks significant progress in the history of India's defence repertoire.
The procurement, as per reports, includes 22 single-seated Rafale Marine aircraft and four twin-seater trainer versions.
Rafale to supplement MiG fighter jets
French combat aircraft manufacturer Dassault Aviation's Rafale Marine jets are expected to supplement the currently deployed MiG-29s.
The decision to include Rafale in Indian Navy came as a Comptroller and Auditor General report in 2016 had underlined the shortcomings of the MiG-29K and stated, "The MiG-29K, which is a carrier-borne multi-role aircraft and the mainstay of integral fleet air defence, is riddled with problems."
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"[In] the best case scenario, a MiG-29 jet will be fully fit for operations less than 50 percent of the time it is required to be deployed," it had said.
