By Vineet Dikshit

NewsGate Press Network

In one of the most significant development with regard to the on-going defence and strategic co-operation with France, the Indian Navy will finally get their Rafale fighter jets to operate from both the aircraft carriers ships.

This and other major defence deals were agreed upon during Prime Minister’s just concluded historic visit to Paris while France also decided to transfer jet engine technology to India for fighter jets as well as for the helicopters.

All this happened during the sidelines of this year’s Bastille Day celebrations in Paris where in presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi where he was the chief guest and also in-front of marching contingents from the three armed forces of India.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs it was announced that France has agreed to transfer technology for aircraft and helicopter engines to DRDO to be manufactured with French defence company Safran.

The 26 new Rafale fighter jets that will be coming from France will be a Marine Version of the famous fighter jet and will operate from India’s two aircraft carrier ships namely INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.

Indian Air Force has already purchased 36 Rafales for the Indian Force.

Just before the Prime Minister landed in Paris on 13th of July, the Defence Acquisition Council in its meeting held at the South Block in the National Capital approved various clauses wide ranging Indo-French defence deal.

The other proposal as approved by the DAC, apart from Rafales was the decision to buy another set of three Scorpene submarines to be manufactured at the Mazagoan Docks in Mumbai.

India already has six Scorpene submarines that was fabricated with the help of France.

According to a statement issued by the Defence Ministry, the DAC meeting presided over by defence minister Rajnath Singh approved three proposals  – formal Acceptance of Necessity for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement.

The price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries, the MoD statement said.

Further, integration of Indian designed equipment and establishment of Maintenance, Repair & Operations  Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations.

The DAC also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited at Mumbai.

The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector.

It will also help the Mazagon Docks in further enhancing its capability and expertise in submarine construction.

The Indian  armed forces contingent which landed at the French soil had in-fact taken a direct flight path with mighty C17 Glob Master heavy lift aircrafts while Rafales got help from IL-78 mid-air tankers.