Defence Acquisition Council approves 26 Rafale fighter jets, 3 Scorpene submarines: Report

This includes 22 single-seater Rafale marine aircraft and four twin-seater trainer versions.

The council has also given the green light for the purchase of three more Scorpene class submarines for the Indian Navy.

The deals are estimated to have a value of approximately Rs 90,000 crore.

The construction of these submarines will be undertaken by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

"The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA)," the Defence Ministry said in a statement.

The acquisition of additional submarines, which will have a higher proportion of indigenous content, is expected to serve multiple purposes.

It will not only contribute to maintaining the desired force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy but also generate substantial employment opportunities within the domestic sector.

This move aligns with the government's emphasis on boosting indigenous manufacturing capabilities and promoting self-reliance in defence production.

According to reports, the agreements are expected to be signed during Prime Minister Modi's visit to France, which commenced today.

The visit, extended by an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron, includes Prime Minister Modi's attendance as the guest of honour at the French Bastille Day celebrations on July 14.

During the Bastille Day Parade, an Indian tri-services contingent will participate, and the Indian Air Force will conduct a fly-past, as mentioned by the Prime Minister.

The need for these new defence agreements arises from several factors, including the ageing fleet of Russian-made platforms, challenges in maintenance by Moscow, and delays in India's indigenous manufacturing plans for similar platforms, as reported by Reuters.

For over four decades, India has relied on French fighter jets. Prior to the procurement of Rafale aircraft in 2015, India had acquired Mirage jets in the 1980s, which still constitute two squadrons of the Indian Air Force.

In 2005, India purchased six Scorpene-class diesel submarines from France for a total of 188 billion rupees ($2.29 billion), and the final submarine is set to be commissioned next year.