Approval for Acquisition of Rafale Jets
The Defence Procurement Board has officially authorized a proposal to procure 114 Rafale fighter jets from French manufacturer Dassault Aviation. This decision, made under the leadership of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, marks a significant progression for the Indian Air Force and represents what could be the nation’s largest defence procurement deal.
The decision by the Defence Procurement Board comes at a crucial time, as it prepares to progress to the Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The clearance is set against the backdrop of increasing security threats from neighboring countries, making this acquisition vital for maintaining India’s air defence capabilities.
Background of the Rafale Acquisition Proposal
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has been in need of strengthening its fleet, facing challenges from a reduced number of active squadrons due to the phased retirement of older aircraft like the MiG-21. With the squadron strength currently at 29 compared to an authorized 42, the urgency for advanced fighter jets cannot be overstated. The formal proposal for additional Rafales was submitted to the Defence Ministry last year, aiming to address these critical gaps.
Details of the Proposed Deal
Financial Aspects
The projected cost of acquiring these jets is estimated at around ₹3.25 lakh crore. If the proposal is approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it could pave the way for the signing of the deal during French President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated visit to India next month.
Manufacturing in India
In a significant move towards indigenization, reports suggest that approximately 80% of the 114 Rafales could potentially be built within India. The project is planned under an inter-governmental agreement, allowing for direct procurement without intermediaries. The arrangement includes 18 fighter jets in a flyaway condition, with the remaining aircraft to be manufactured in India with up to 60% indigenous content.
The final assembly line for these aircraft is expected to be established at the Dassault Reliance Aerospace Ltd (DRAL) facility in Nagpur. This facility is currently a subsidiary of Dassault Aviation and will involve collaboration with several Indian firms such as TATA and Mahindra.
Strategic Importance of the Acquisition
With rising tensions along the borders with Pakistan and China, bolstering the IAF’s capabilities has become increasingly crucial. Military analysts have pointed out that India faces the challenge of conducting operations across multiple fronts. “The need for a robust air force cannot be emphasized enough in light of the multi-dimensional threats we face,” remarked an unnamed senior IAF official.
Air Force Squadron Concerns
The current fleet of Rafale jets in service stands at 36, and the IAF has been actively seeking supplementary fighters to fill its operational gaps. With the Tejas (LCA Mark 1A) program experiencing delays due to challenges like engine procurement and equipment integration, the urgency of the Rafale acquisition intensifies as old fighters are phased out.
Delivery Timeline and Future Prospects
If the deal gains final approval, the IAF is expecting the delivery of the first batch of 18 aircraft to begin from 2030 onward. The timeline for subsequent deliveries will depend on the ongoing negotiations and the speed of the multi-tier approval process, which includes various structural frameworks.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh underscored, “This procurement is not just about acquiring fighter jets; it is about ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation.” The IAF’s requirement for state-of-the-art technology aligns with global standards of air combat and defense strategy.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The approval from the Defence Procurement Board is just the first step in a long process, which includes multiple higher-level approvals and negotiations on pricing. Reports suggest that discussions will resume shortly after President Macron’s visit, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in defense.
The IAF looks forward to integrating these advanced jets into their operational framework, which is vital for achieving a balanced air power in South Asia amidst evolving regional threats.