Ganesh Kendale
NEW DELHI: France has submitted its final price offer to India for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets. This comes ahead of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to France. Defense sources told ANI that the French side has provided a significant price reduction after tough negotiations.
India and France are in talks to buy the jets for deployment on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and various bases.A French team was in India last week to finalise discussions. The deal is expected to be discussed during the India-France Strategic Dialogue, where the Indian NSA is set to meet his French counterparts starting tomorrow in Paris.
This deal is crucial for the Indian Navy as it aims to enhance its maritime strike capability. India has approved modifications in the letter of request, including integrating the indigenous Uttam radar in the jets. Although integration may take about eight years and be costly, it has been a point of negotiation.
India had also requested France to integrate indigenous weapons on the plane, including the Astra beyond visual range missiles and the Rudram anti-radiation missiles. The deal’s price is based on previous agreements, such as the rate of inflation, and the past deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Air Force.
The Indian side will also receive a larger number of long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles and anti-ship weaponry in this project, which is planned to be concluded before the end of this financial year. Some of the Indian Air Force requirements have also been incorporated in the naval deal, including around 40 drop tanks and a small number of work stations for the planes.
