The Indian Navy is set to bolster its carrier-based air combat capabilities with the Rs640bn ($7.42bn) acquisition of Rafale Marine (M) aircraf, says data and analytics company GlobalData.
The agreement, which was finalised through a government-to-government route, encompasses 22 single-seater Rafale-Ms and four twin-seater trainer variants, all equipped for maritime operations.
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These aircraft, to be procured from France’s Dassault, will be deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya aircraft carriers, enhancing air support and protection of national assets in the Indian Ocean Region.
GlobalData defence analyst Udayini Aakunoor said: “This procurement comes at a time of increasing strategic concern over China’s expanding naval footprint in the Indo-Pacific. The PLA Navy has rapidly modernised its carrier operation with indigenous production of both the Shandong and newly launched Fujian aircraft carriers. Coupled with regular Chinese patrols near the Indian Ocean chokepoints like the Malacca Strait and deepening maritime ties with countries in India’s periphery such as Sri Lanka and Pakistan, India faces an evolving multi-dimensional threat environment.”
The Indian government announced its decision in 2023 to procure the naval variant of the Rafale after an evaluation process, which included in-country trials and a global bidding effort led by Indian authorities.
Equipped with avionics and radar systems, the Rafale-M is capable of carrying an arsenal of precision-guided weaponry, including long-range air-to-air missiles and anti-ship systems.
These are designed for short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) systems.
Capable of executing fleet air defence, maritime strike, and area-denial operations, the Rafale-M is expected to enhance the Indian Navy’s power projection.
Aakunoor added: “China’s emphasis on power projection through its carrier strike groups and the deployment of long-range naval aviation assets underscores the urgency for India to field technologically advanced carrier-borne fighters. The Rafale-M’s ability to perform fleet air defence, maritime strike, and area-denial roles will serve as a strong deterrent, especially in contested zones in the Indian Ocean region.”
A report by GlobalData titled “The Global Military Fixed-Wing Aircraft Market 2024-2034” projects that India is poised to invest approximately $87.5bn in various military fixed-wing aircraft over the next decade.
