India to purchase additional Rafale-M fighter jets for its aircraft carriers

India plans to expand its order for French Rafale fighter jets. According to French media, New Delhi plans to equip all its aircraft carriers with the naval version of the fighter.

The Indian Air Force has decided to go beyond the 114 Rafale fighters it has already purchased for its air force, ordering the navalized version of the Rafale-M. Initially, the order is for an additional 31 fighters. While other details of the potential deal are still unclear, if this agreement is signed, India will purchase a total of 145 Rafale fighters from the French.

According to the media, the choice of French aircraft is a political decision, not a military one. On the other hand, the country's Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighters, which even took part in the conflict with Pakistan. And last year, the Indian Navy ordered 26 navalized versions of the aircraft for a new aircraft carrier.

The purchase is primarily a political choice for Delhi. France's Dassault Aviation is implementing a localization program in partnership with the Indian defense industry.

As previously reported, India plans to receive only 18 fighter jets from France, with the remainder assembled at a facility owned by private company Reliance Defence in Nagpur. Initially, India will focus on manufacturing fuselages and airframe components. Production will then expand. State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will handle aircraft maintenance and the integration of Indian weapons systems onto the French aircraft.

• Vladimir Lytkin

Source: https://en.topwar.ru