India's Triumph: Defence Expert Ranjeet Rai Celebrates Rafale Deal Boosting the Indian Navy
New Delhi [ India On April 28 (ANI): Military analyst Ranjeet Rai has embraced the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between India and France for the acquisition of 26 Rafale jets for the India In the Navy, they called it a "red letter day." India and the India n Navy.
Speaking to ANI, Ranjeet Rai said that the India The Navy will commemorate the signing of the accord between India and France He referred to it as a "highly significant day," noting that global media coverage would ensue. India 's approval for the acquisition of 26 Rafale jets.
On the India - France Intergovernmental Accord for the acquisition of 26 Rafale aircraft for the India In the Navy, Rai stated, "This marks a significant day for both the nation and the India because they've entered into a massive agreement worth 63,000 crore rupees, approximately USD 5.7 billion, to acquire 26 Rafale maritime planes. These will be utilized for our two aircraft carriers. Vikrant , the Vikramaditya , and the Navy chose between the F-18 and the Rafale in Goa, where they have facilities for aircraft carrier takeoffs and landings. In this contest, the Rafale emerged as the winner. It ranks among the top 5.3 stealth aircraft globally. Only two other air force planes surpass it slightly: the Russian Su-57 and the F-35. However, currently, the India The Navy will commemorate the agreement signed by Defense Secretary ShriRK Singh and the Ambassador of France In Delhi, this event was observed from behind by Vice Admiral Swaminathan, who serves as the vice chief of naval staff. He oversees acquisitions, finances, and various other responsibilities.
Therefore, it is an exceptionally significant day. The global community will be covering this event. India Has secured a significant contract involving 26 naval Rafales equipped with advanced missiles capable of targeting land-based entities from afar. This system includes an extended-range capability designed to engage ships up to approximately 60 kilometers away, potentially even further when launched aerially. Additionally, it features the Meteor missile, primarily used for air-to-air engagements. This weapon can neutralize any approaching aircraft within range due to precise guidance provided by controllers based on aircraft carriers; these controllers coordinate through what’s known as Combat Air Patrols, ensuring protection ahead of naval fleets. Given these advancements, the current fleet commanding operations using Rafale stands among the elite globally. Originally derived from an Air Force model adapted for Naval use—the MiG-29K—today's focus leans towards future developments. In several years’ time, Rafale jets are expected to become integral components aboard India’s aircraft carriers, significantly enhancing their operational prowess. The investment involved totals around 63,000 crore rupees dedicated solely to acquiring these state-of-the-art fighter planes, underscoring their critical importance to bolstering the nation’s blue-water naval capabilities.
As stated by the Ministry of Defence, India and France inked an inter-governmental accord on Monday to acquire 26 Rafale jets (comprising 22 single-seater and four twin-seater variants) for the India n Navy.
The accord encompasses training, simulators, related gear, weaponry, and performance-based logistics. Additionally, it includes extra equipment. India The Indian Air Force's (IAF) current Rafale fleet.
The Indian Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu inked the IGA on April 28, 2025. India Indian and French authorities exchanged signed versions of the agreement, aircraft supply protocol, and weapons supply protocol at Nausena Bhawan in New Delhi, with Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh present during the ceremony.
The accord aligns with the government's emphasis on 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India). India ) since it encompasses the transfer of technology related to assembling, servicing, and upkeep of weaponry. India .
The statement said, "Aligning with the Government's initiative towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the agreement encompasses the transfer of technology for incorporating indigenous weaponry." India It will also involve establishing manufacturing plants for the Rafale fuselage along with centers dedicated to servicing, repairing, and overhauling aircraft engines, sensors, and weaponry. India The agreement is anticipated to create numerous job opportunities and generate substantial income for many Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises involved in establishing, operating, and maintaining these facilities." (ANI)