France has submitted its final price offer to India for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine jets, ahead of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to the country. Defence sources revealed that after extensive negotiations, France has provided a significant price reduction for the deal.
India and France are in advanced discussions to finalize the acquisition of these jets, which are intended to be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and other naval bases. Recent negotiations took place last week, with a French delegation in New Delhi to finalize details.
The deal is expected to be a key topic during the India-France Strategic Dialogue, where the Indian NSA will meet with his French counterparts in Paris. Strengthening India’s maritime strike capabilities is a priority for the Indian Navy, making this deal particularly crucial.
India has requested several modifications in the deal, including the integration of indigenous systems like the Uttam radar and domestic weapons such as Astra beyond-visual-range missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles. While integrating these systems would take around eight years, it is seen as a step toward self-reliance.
The pricing for the deal is based on earlier agreements, particularly referencing the contract for 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force. The naval deal will also incorporate certain requirements from the Air Force, including additional drop tanks, workstations, and a larger number of long-range Meteor missiles.
The deal is expected to be concluded before the end of this financial year.
