India Rafale-M Jets deal: India is set to finalize separate contracts for the purchase of 26 naval Rafale fighter jets and three additional Scorpene submarines next month, according to Navy Chief Admiral DK Tripathi. Speaking ahead of Navy Day on December 4, Admiral Tripathi stated that the activities of China and Pakistan’s navies are being closely monitored by India.
He also mentioned that the government has approved the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), with plans to eventually have six such submarines in the fleet. The first SSN is expected to be ready by 2036-37, and the second by 2038-39.
Regarding the Rafale Marine fighter jets, Admiral Tripathi confirmed that negotiations are in the final stages and that the deal, being a government-to-government arrangement, should be completed soon. The Rafale-M jets, approved by the Ministry of Defence in July 2023, will be deployed on India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
Deal to procure 26 Rafale-M jets to be inked soon: Navy chief Tripathi
“We have redoubled efforts to include niche technologies into the force,” Admiral Tripathi said.
“62 warships and one submarine are under construction in the country and there is acceptance of the necessity for 31 more powerful warships and submarines including six submarines of the Project-75 India,” he added.
In addition to the Rafale-M fighter jets and Scorpene-class submarines, the Indian Navy is also considering the procurement of 60 Utility Helicopters Marine. The Navy is focusing on the development and integration of disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and quantum computing to enhance its capabilities.
The procurement of the Rafale-M fighter jets and additional Scorpene-class submarines is expected to be finalized next month. The Ministry of Defence approved the acquisition of the Rafale-M jets from France in July last year, with plans to deploy them primarily aboard India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.
“Rafale Marine is at an advanced stage of negotiations and is only one level short of taking it to the Cabinet Committee on Security. Since it is a government-to-government deal, it should not take much time,” Tripathi said.
Navy Chief Surprised Over Pakistan’s 50-Ship Force Aim
Admiral Tripathi addressed Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its maritime capabilities, stating that the Indian Navy is fully prepared to counter any potential threats from neighboring countries. He also commented on reports regarding the ongoing upgrade of Pakistan’s navy, asserting that Pakistan has prioritized military weapons over the welfare of its people.
“We are aware of the surprising growth of the Pakistan Navy. They aim to become a 50-ship force. Seeing their economy, it is very surprising how they are building or getting so many ships. They have decided to choose weapons over the welfare of their people. So good luck to them,” the Navy Chief said.
India’s Navy Chief’s stance over China
The Navy Chief stated that India is fully aware of the threats posed by China and Pakistan.
He said, “We are closely monitoring extra-regional forces in the Indian Ocean Region, including the PLA Navy, their warships, research vessels, and satellite tracking ships.”
The Navy Chief also highlighted the growing relationship between Pakistan and China. He noted, “Many Pakistan Navy warships and submarines are being built with Chinese support, showing that China wants to strengthen Pakistan’s Navy.”
He added, “Their eight new submarines will greatly enhance Pakistan’s combat capabilities, but we are fully aware of their potential. This is why we are adjusting our strategies to handle any threats from our neighbors.”
India Successfully Tests Nuclear-Capable K-4 Missile
The Chief of Naval Staff confirmed that India successfully tested the K-4 missile, which has a range of 3,500 km, from a ballistic missile submarine. The missile was launched from the newly commissioned INS Arighaat, and the data regarding its trajectory is still being analyzed.
This test, conducted on November 27 near Visakhapatnam, was a landmark achievement as it marked the first successful submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test by India.
With this accomplishment, India has now joined a small group of countries that are capable of launching nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea, further enhancing its nuclear deterrence and strategic capabilities.
India Plans to Build Indigenous Nuclear Submarines
The Navy Chief announced that India’s first nuclear attack submarine (SSN), designed entirely in India, should be ready by 2036-37. The second one is expected to be completed within two years after that. Admiral Tripathi explained that the original submarine plan, which started in 1999, aimed to have 24 conventional submarines by 2030. But so far, only five have been commissioned, with the sixth, a Scorpene-class submarine, expected soon.
The next step in the plan is to build six submarines with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) under Project 75 (India). This is still in the contracting process and will take more time. Knowledge gained from Project 75 (I) will be used for Project 76, which aims to build 12 fully indigenous submarines, helping India become more self-reliant in defense.
India also has a separate program for nuclear ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs), operated by the Strategic Forces Command. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved the building of two SSNs, which is a big step for improving India’s underwater defense power.
Admiral Tripathi said that 2036-37 is a realistic timeline for the first SSN and that the second should follow in a couple of years. He highlighted that these submarines will be made in India, showing the government’s confidence in the Navy and the country’s defense industry.
