New Delhi22 minutes ago
- copy link
The Rafale M deal with French aircraft company Dassault Aviation may be signed during Modi’s visit to France.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a visit to France on 13-14 July. During this, he will be the guest of honor at the National Parade of France. But, this tour is considered very important in the direction of further strengthening the security of Indian coasts. The central government has completed preparations to buy the ‘M’ version of the fighter aircraft Rafale for the Navy.
According to sources, a total of 26 Rafale M will be purchased. These aircraft will be available for 5.5 billion dollars (45 thousand crore rupees). The Rafale M deal with French aircraft company Dassault Aviation may be signed during Modi’s visit to France. This is the same company from which the Air Force has bought 36 Rafales.
In 2016, India had signed an agreement of 59 thousand crores to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets from France.
Rafal M is specially designed for air attack in sea area
Rafale M fighter jets are specially designed for air strikes in the maritime area. They will be first deployed on indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. At present, Russian MiG-29s are deployed on INS Vikrant, which are gradually being taken out of service.
Just before the Prime Minister’s visit to France, the Defense Acquisition Council will meet to formally approve the deal. Sources said that experts have reached a consensus on Rafale M.
American F-A-18 Super Hornet was also in the race, lagged behind in technology
The Government of India was working on a plan to buy new fighter jets for INS Vikrant for the last 4 years. The process to choose between the American Boeing F-A-18 Super Hornet and the French Rafale M began two years ago.
The Navy tested the Super Hornet and Rafale M in Goa last year. A brief report was prepared regarding the merits and demerits of both the fighter jets. Indian Defense Expert found Rafal M fit according to the needs of INS Vikrant, while Indian experts did not agree about Boeing F-A-18. That’s why the arrival of Rafal M is believed to be certain.
It will take 3 years for the first consignment, it took 7 years for the Air Force aircraft to arrive
Sea trials of INS Vikrant have also started. Fighter operations from her deck are yet to be tested. Technical and cost formalities will take at least a year to complete after the deal is sealed. Experts say that Rafale is also suitable for the Navy because the Air Force has prepared the infrastructure related to the maintenance of Rafale.
This will also work for the Navy. This will save a lot of money. Sources say that it may take 3 years for the first batch of Rafale M to arrive. The deal for 36 Rafales for the Air Force was done in 2016 and it took 7 years to complete the delivery.
‘Rafale M’ more powerful than the Rafale received by the Air Force
The ‘M’ version of Rafale is advanced from the Rafale fighter jets present in India. Flying from INS Vikrant while ski jumping requires a fighter jet with a more powerful engine. This is called ‘short take off but arrester landing’. Can also land in very less space.
Know about Rafal M…
- It is 15.27 m. tall, 10.80 m. wide, 5.34 m. is high Its weight is 10,600 kg.
- Its speed is 1,912 KMPH. It has a range of 3700 km. It flies up to 50 thousand feet height.
- It is considered to be the best for antiship strike. It has also been designed from the point of view of attack on nuclear plant.
Indigenous aircraft by 2030, so Rafale will be ordered
India is preparing its LCA-Navy aircraft for deployment on aircraft carriers. But, its first aircraft will be built by 2030. Till then the Navy wants to buy 26 Rafale M.