Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. In the meantime, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France, with the aim of enhancing the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy. The DAC, headed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, convened on July 13, 2023, and approved three proposals.
According to a tweet from the Defence minister’s office, the DAC has granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft, along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, spares, documentation, crew training, and logistic support for the Indian Navy. The procurement will be based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) with the French Government. The specific price and terms of the purchase will be determined through negotiations, considering factors such as the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.
Additionally, the DAC has given the green light for the acquisition of three more Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category. These submarines will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). This decision not only helps maintain the required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy but also generates significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector. It will also contribute to the MDL’s growth in submarine construction expertise.
Furthermore, the DAC has approved the formulation of guidelines to achieve the desired indigenous content in all capital acquisition cases. This is a crucial step in realizing the vision of self-reliance, or “Aatmanirbharta,” in critical manufacturing technologies and the life-cycle sustenance of defence platforms and equipment through indigenous manufacturing.
As Prime Minister Modi embarks on his official visit to France, several agreements are expected to be signed between India and France, with a total value of approximately ₹90,000 crores. These agreements will further strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
