These deals are parts of India’s long-term plan to enhance the striking capabilities of the armed forces. The total value of these deals exceeds Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
New Delhi: In a major strategic move in the new year, the Modi government is set to finalize an important defense deal that promises to strengthen India’s armed forces. According to the reports, at least four major defense deals for fighter jets, submarines, helicopters, and artillery are expected to be signed before the end of this financial year, which concludes on March 31.
These deals are parts of India’s long-term plan to enhance the striking capabilities of the armed forces. The total value of these deals exceeds Rs 1.5 lakh crore.
26 Rafale Marine Fighter Jet Deal
According to The Times of India report quoting Defense sources, the first agreement will involve the direct acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets from France, valued at approximately Rs 63,000 crore. These jets will operate from the deck of the indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
The report has further added that the deal for 22 single-seat maritime jets and four dual-seat trainer aircraft for the Navy, along with weapons, simulators, crew training, and five years of performance-based logistics suppor.
It will also have spare parts for the 36 Rafale jets already inducted into the Indian Air Force and is now headed for final approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by the Prime Minister.
Rs 38,000 crore deal with France
India is also set to crack another major deal with France that will be worth Rs 38,000 crore, involving the acquisition of three additional Scorpene diesel-electric submarines.
Here are some of the key details:
- India’s deal with France will be worth Rs 38,000 crore, involving the acquisition of three additional Scorpene diesel-electric submarines.
- These submarines will be equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) to enhance their underwater endurance.
- They will be constructed at the Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in Mumbai.
- The first of the three new submarines is expected to be ready by 2031, followed by the remaining two at one-year intervals.
- These new additions will join the six Scorpene or Kalvari-class submarines already built under the Rs 23,000 crore ‘Project-75’ at MDL.
The sixth submarine, Vagir, is set to be commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 15, alongside the guided-missile destroyer Surat and stealth frigate Nilgiri. A source mentioned that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is likely to approve the Rafale deal before the end of this month. Immediately after that, the Scorpene deal is expected to get clearance. Incidentally, Modi is scheduled to visit France on February 11 and 12 for the Artificial Intelligence Summit.
