The two sides are also closing in on a deal under which French defense giant Safran and an Indian entity will jointly develop aircraft engines in India
Release Date – Tuesday 23rd July 07:40
New Delhi: India is finalizing groundwork for the purchase of 26 naval-style Rafale fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines from France ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris this week, people familiar with the matter said on Monday.
The two sides are also moving closer to a deal under which French defense giant Safran and an Indian entity will jointly develop aircraft engines in India, people familiar with the matter said.
The Defense Procurement Board (DPB) of the Ministry of Defense has reportedly approved the proposal.
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, will soon consider the procurement proposal. India and France are likely to announce major defense projects during Modi’s visit to France, people familiar with the matter said.
Modi will be the guest of honor at the Bastille Day parade in Paris on July 14. Asked where the big purchase would be done following talks between Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron, the people familiar with the matter said some defense purchases could be announced this week. However, they said some issues had not yet been resolved.
The Indian Navy is procuring 26 deck fighters for the indigenously built INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. After a lengthy process, the U.S. Navy has narrowed its acquisitions to include Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation’s Rafale M aircraft.
It is reported that “Rafale-M” stands out in this fierce competition. India has procured 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force from France.
The Rafale fighter jet is the first large fighter jet purchased by India in the 23 years since the Sukhoi fighter jet was imported from Russia. Another important project for Francet may be a follow-on order for three Scorpene-class submarines.
Under Project 75, India has built six Scorpene-class submarines. According to people familiar with the matter, the French side and its partner Mazagon Dock Co., Ltd. (MDL) are currently considering an additional order for three “Scorpene” class submarines.
The Indian Ministry of Defense is in talks with French defense giant Safran to jointly develop fighter jet engines in India to power India’s next-generation aircraft, including the future Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).
