26 Rafale-M Jets: India’s decision to buy 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France for approximately ₹63,000 crores has sparked many questions. One of the key questions is why India chose to buy exactly 26 jets. Why not 25 or 30? The reason lies in India’s specific defense needs, the capacity of its aircraft carriers, and the long-term vision for its Navy.
The Indian Navy currently relies on MiG-29K jets for operations on its aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant. Between 2004 and 2010, the Navy bought 45 MiG-29Ks. However, over time, these jets have faced a number of technical problems, leading to a reduction in their operational readiness.
At any given time, only 15 to 47 percent of these jets are operational, mainly due to maintenance issues. This has made it necessary for the Indian Navy to replace the aging MiG-29Ks with more modern, reliable aircraft that can ensure India’s naval strength remains intact. The Rafale-M, the naval version of the French-made Rafale fighter jet, has emerged as a perfect solution.
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The Rafale-M is a more advanced and dependable jet. It has been designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, making it ideal for India’s naval needs. The Rafale-M is not new to India. The Air Force already operates 36 Rafale jets, so the Navy is familiar with its performance and capabilities. The jet is equipped for sea-based missions, making it a great choice for the Navy’s future plans.
Why 26 Jets?
The decision to buy 26 Rafale-M jets was not random. According to WION, India’s newest aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, has a capacity of exactly 26 jets. This means that by purchasing 26 Rafale-Ms, the Navy can fully utilize the carrier’s capacity without having any unused spots. Of these 26 jets, 22 will be single-seater combat aircraft, and 4 will be twin-seater jets, mainly for training purposes.
If the Navy had bought 25 jets, it would leave one spot on the carrier empty, which would be inefficient. If it had bought 30, the excess jets would cause issues with storage, maintenance, and cost management. So, 26 is the ideal number to perfectly fit the carrier and meet the Navy’s requirements.
Strengthening India’s Naval Power
The purchase of Rafale-M jets will significantly strengthen India’s naval capabilities. These jets will help the Navy protect its interests in the Indian Ocean region and respond effectively to any threats. The addition of Rafale-M jets is not only about replacing old aircraft but also about ensuring the Navy is ready for future challenges.
With advanced weaponry, improved radar systems, and proven performance in combat, the Rafale-M will enhance India’s deterrence power. Additionally, the deal is a continuation of the strong defense partnership between India and France, which has seen France help India in other areas, like providing Scorpene submarines.
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Moreover, the Rafale-M jets will allow India to keep its air and maritime defense systems well-coordinated. With similar systems in both the Navy and Air Force’s Rafale jets, maintenance and pilot training will be more efficient and cost-effective. This also means that India can better integrate its naval and air operations, making its defense system more unified.
26 Rafale-M Jets: Preparing for the Future
While the Rafale-M jets are a great addition to the Navy, India is also working on developing its own carrier-based fighter jet. The Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is expected to be ready by 2035 to 2038. Until then, the Rafale-M jets will serve as a bridge to ensure India’s Navy remains powerful and combat-ready. The combination of the Rafale-M’s advanced features and the future development of TEDBF will create a strong foundation for India’s naval defense.
