Vikrant Shekhawat : Jul 09, 2023, 01:38 PM
Rafale-Marine Jet Deal: India is going to buy Rafale jet once again from France. This will be the naval version of Rafale, which means it will be used by the Navy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi can finalize this deal during his two-day visit to France. Its prices are not yet known but there is a plan to buy 24-30 jets. The prices of the jets may be revealed after the meeting of the Defense Acquisition Council.Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in France on 13-14 July. French President Emmanuel Macron has called the PM as the chief guest at the Bastille Day parade. Meanwhile, the PM can give final touches to the Rafale Marine Jets deal. The Indian Navy had expressed its intention to have a naval version of Rafale. The US uses F-18 Super Hornets for maritime surveillance. Now that the tension with China is increasing in the maritime sector, the Navy also needs such a powerful jet.India has 36 Rafale of Air Force versionThe Defense Minister is the chairman of the Defense Acquisition Council. Before PM Modi's visit to France next week, more information about how many jets will be bought, what will be its prices and what will be the form of this deal can be revealed in the council meeting. India currently has the Air Force version of Rafale. Last year, France had delivered all 36 Rafale fighter jets. It is said that the cost of each Rafale jet cost India Rs 1600 crore.Rafale-Marine jet deal will be done with French governmentThe prices of the Naval version Rafale have not been known yet, but it is believed that its prices will be lower than the Air Force version. PM Modi can sign the deal with the French government during his two-day visit. This will be an official deal. Simply put, instead of the company, the deal will be with the French government.Why did the Navy choose Rafale?Tension is increasing continuously in the maritime sector with China. Navy needs powerful jets for deployment on INS Vikrant in maritime security. The Navy also had the American F-18 Super Hornets as an option. Quoting sources in media reports, it has been told that the Navy chose the naval version of Rafale, which is 80 percent similar to the Air Force version. In such a situation, the Navy believes that this will save the possible expenditure on training, repairing and maintenance.