India-France Defence Deals: India is close to finalizing two major defense deals with France, worth over $10 billion. These agreements involve purchasing 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy and three Scorpene-class submarines. Approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to visit Paris in February for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit, scheduled for February 10-11, will explore how artificial intelligence can deliver social, economic, and environmental benefits. During this visit, both nations aim to conclude the defense agreements, which are currently in the final stages of negotiation.
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Rafale-M Fighter Jets for Naval Use
According to Thehindu, The Rafale-M deal includes 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers. These jets are crucial for bolstering the Indian Navy’s carrier-based air operations. The Navy operates two aircraft carriers: the Russian-built INS Vikramaditya and the indigenously developed INS Vikrant, commissioned in September 2022.
While the Rafale-M jets will fill a critical gap, they are a stopgap solution until India’s own twin-engine deck-based fighter, under development, is ready for deployment. Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi recently confirmed that the agreement is one step away from CCS approval and will move swiftly since it is a government-to-government deal.
Scorpene Submarine Deal
The Scorpene submarine purchase is a repeat order under the Project-75 program. India has already commissioned five Scorpene-class submarines, with the sixth, INS Vagsheer, set to be commissioned on January 15, 2025. These diesel-electric submarines are being built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France’s Naval Group.
The additional three submarines are vital for the Navy, which is dealing with an aging fleet and delays in acquiring six advanced submarines under Project-75I. The first of the new Scorpene submarines is expected to be delivered by 2031.
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Boost to Naval Capabilities
These agreements are essential for strengthening India’s naval defenses amid growing regional challenges. The Rafale-M jets will provide advanced aerial capabilities for India’s aircraft carriers, while the Scorpene submarines will enhance undersea warfare capabilities.
India has also recently signed contracts worth ₹2,867 crore to improve existing Scorpene-class submarines. This includes the integration of an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system and an advanced torpedo system, both developed by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
With these deals, India is set to enhance its maritime power significantly, ensuring readiness for future challenges while deepening its strategic partnership with France. Both nations are working diligently to complete all formalities and finalize the contracts in the coming months.
