During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to France this week, the Indian Navy is expected to sign a significant defense deal that will bolster its capabilities. The agreement includes the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Marine fighters for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and an additional order for the construction of three Scorpene (Kalveri) class submarines at Mumbai’s Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL), emphasizing India’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative. These developments come as part of a broader defense-industrial road map aimed at enhancing indigenous manufacturing and technology development.
While the specific details of the defense deals are yet to be officially disclosed, it is anticipated that Prime Minister Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron will also unveil a bilateral road map for the Indo-Pacific region. This roadmap will outline measures to ensure freedom of navigation and maritime security, particularly in areas of contention posed by a rising China.
According to sources, the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting, scheduled for July 13, will grant acceptance of necessity (AON) for the Indian Navy’s procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighters and authorize the construction of three additional Kalveri class submarines at Mazagon Dockyards. The sixth and final submarine of the existing order, INS Vagsheer, is currently undergoing tests and trials, with plans for commissioning next year.
The three new Kalveri class submarines will feature air independent propulsion (AIP), designed by India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and validated by the French Naval Group. AIP technology allows diesel attack submarines to have longer endurance, enabling them to remain submerged for over a week without surfacing to recharge batteries.
While the DAC will approve the AON for the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M aircraft for the INS Vikrant, the final price, terms, and conditions will be negotiated through government-to-government discussions between India and France. The French government, in collaboration with Dassault Aviation, will strive to secure the best pricing. Indian Navy pilots will undergo training in France, as well as on advanced simulators in Goa, to operate the single-seater fighters. It is expected that one squadron (18 fighters) will be deployed aboard the INS Vikrant, while the remaining eight will be stationed in Goa as reserves for rotation.
The additional order for three Scorpene class submarines, facilitated through government-to-government channels, will strengthen the Indian Navy’s capabilities in the face of expanding activities by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in the Indian Ocean. This contract will also breathe new life into the submarine manufacturing capacity of Mazagon Dockyards following the commissioning of INS Vaghsheer in 2024.
These acquisitions underscore India’s commitment to modernizing its naval fleet and reinforcing its maritime defense capabilities. The strategic partnership between India and France will further enhance defense cooperation and pave the way for technological advancements in India’s indigenous defense industry.
Sources By Agencies
