New Delhi, July 13, 2023 (PPI-OT): Continuing its hegemonic designs, India on Thursday cleared proposals to procure 26 naval variant of Rafale jets from France and three French-designed Scorpene class submarines. The development took place on a day Narendra Modi began a two-day high-profile visit to Paris.

The procurement proposals were approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Indian Defence Ministry said. Four of the 26 Rafale-M jets, the naval variant of the deck-based platform, will be trainer aircraft, Indian media quoting sources in the defence establishment reported. The sources said, the delivery of the aircraft will begin within three years of signing of the contract. It may take close to one year to seal the final deal as detailed price negotiations are to be undertaken, they added.

“The DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA),” the Indian Defence Ministry said.

The defence procurement projects are expected to be announced following Narendra Modi’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. The DAC, which is the defence ministry’s highest decision making body on procurement, also cleared a proposal for construction of three more Scorpene submarines in India.

For more information, contact:

Kashmir Media Service

Phone: +92-51-4435548, +92-51-4435549

Fax: +92-51-4861736

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.kmsnews.org