NEW DELHI: India’s strategic partnership with France is set to deepen as two major defence deals are on the brink of finalization. These agreements involve the direct procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines, collectively valued at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore (Euro 10.6 billion).
Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Paris, government sources revealed that the Rs 63,000 crore deal for 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainers for the Navy has been submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for final approval.
Additionally, the Rs 33,500 crore contract for three diesel-electric Scorpene submarines, to be built by Mazagon Docks Limited (MDL) in collaboration with French Naval Group, is also nearing CCS review after inter-ministerial consultations. “The Rafale-M deal will be addressed after the PM’s France-US trip. Cost negotiations for the Scorpene submarines took longer due to MDL’s initially high price quote. Both deals are expected to be finalized by the end of the fiscal year,” a source confirmed.
India and France are also exploring a potential collaboration between French aerospace giant Safran and DRDO to co-develop a 110-kilonewton jet engine for India’s fifth-generation AMCA stealth fighter project.
The Rafale-M agreement includes weapons systems, simulators, crew training, and a five-year logistics support package. Dassault Aviation will manufacture the jets with special enhancements for operations from the indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Delivery is expected within 37 to 65 months post-contract signing, with all jets arriving by 2030-31.
The Scorpene submarines will feature design improvements over the existing Kalvari-class vessels. The first submarine is expected to be delivered within six years, followed by the remaining two at yearly intervals. These submarines may be equipped with DRDO’s fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system to enhance underwater endurance. The current fleet of six operational Scorpenes will gradually receive AIP upgrades during scheduled refits.
These deals mark a significant step in strengthening India’s maritime and aerial defence capabilities, reinforcing its strategic ties with France.
