To bolster its maritime strength, the Indian Navy will finalize a deal with France for 26 Rafale-M fighter jets within two months. Confirmed by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh Tripathi, this 600 billion rupee transaction promises peace across the Indo-Pacific region and enhances naval might.
The Rafale Marine Fighter Jet (Rafale M) will be stationed on India's aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. These jets excel in short take-offs and will employ arrested recovery STOBAR technology for landings.
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Source: aajtak
India will acquire 22 single-seater and four double-seater jets in this agreement, with double-seaters geared for training. Rafale-M is a multi-role fighter jet, and apart from India, other South Asian nations lack aircraft carriers.
Speed 2205 km/hr, Range 3700 kilometers
The Rafale-M spans 50.1 feet in length, operated by one or two pilots. Its lightweight construction at just 15,000 kg belies a 11,202 kg fuel capacity, allowing extended flight duration. It reaches speeds of 2205 km/hr with a range of 3700 km, ascending up to 52,000 feet.
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Source: aajtak
14 Hardpoints, Array of Weaponry
The Rafale-M is equipped with a 30 mm autocannon gun and features 14 hardpoints. It can be armed with three types of air-to-air missiles, seven varieties of air-to-surface missiles, one nuclear missile, or a mix. It's optimal for anti-ship warfare and can carry precision-guided bombs and missiles like Meteor, Scalp, or Exocet, providing security via air, sea, and land, creating an invisible shield.
India now emulates Israeli-style airstrikes with indigenously developed suicide drones
Source: aajtak
Advanced Radar Ensures Detection While Remaining Stealthy
The advanced AESA radar excels in target detection and tracking, complemented by the SPECTRA electronic warfare system that enhances stealth capabilities. In-flight refueling extends its range. The introduction of the Rafale-M fighter boosts missions in surveillance, espionage, and attack in Indian maritime territory.
Comprehensive Deal Includes Maintenance and Training
This deal will ease handling of the current situations involving China and Pakistan in the Indo-Pacific. The agreement includes an offset provision, promoting India's Make in India initiative. The 600 billion rupee package covers more than just purchase costs, incorporating maintenance, logistics support, and both operations and maintenance training for naval officers. Upon completion, the Indian Navy will possess state-of-the-art fighter jets on its aircraft carriers.
