Defence Deal: The Indian Navy is set to purchase 26 Rafale marine fighter jets, 31 MQ-9B drones and three Scorpene submarines later this year to enhance its capabilities. The three Scorpene class submarines being built at Mazgaon Dockyard will increase the strength of the Navy manifold. Because, China is expanding its power in the sea at a rapid pace.
Defence sources told India Today that the cost of this defence deal is expected to be around Rs 40,000 crore, in which Bharat Electronics Limited will play an important role. The second big deal to be completed this financial year is the purchase of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for INS Vikrant.
What does the Navy want?
According to sources, the Indian Navy is planning to complete this project soon. Steps have been taken to reduce the time taken to complete this project. The Indian Navy wants these aircraft to be deployed on the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. For which the Indian Navy is planning to develop strong capabilities on the maritime front.
Dassault company and Indian Navy will start talks soon
Sources say that France’s Dassault company and the Indian Navy have held two rounds of talks on this matter. In such a situation, it is expected that both sides are going to resume talks on this matter soon. At the same time, the third defense deal includes the purchase of 31 MQ-9 drones from the United States under the Foreign Military Sales Contract. This project worth Rs 32,000 crore is set to be completed by October 31.
Fighter jets needed for carrier Vikrant
The Navy is in dire need of fighter jets for the new indigenous aircraft carrier Vikrant. The Navy has chosen France’s Rafale-M over the American fighter jet F-18 Super Hornet. Of the 26 Rafale-Ms to be purchased, 22 will be single seaters and four will be trainer aircraft.