India Faces Potential $161 Million Price per Rafale-M Jet, a Significant 60% Increase from the Indian Air Force's 2016 Deal
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| French Navy Rafale-M Naval Carrier Borne Fighter jets (File Photo) |
India is set to strengthen its naval air power with the acquisition of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets from France. Although the final cost has not been officially disclosed, reports suggest each jet may cost around $161 million (€146 million), a significant rise from the $101 million (€91.7 million) per jet paid during the Indian Air Force's (IAF) 2016 procurement.
This steep price hike is primarily due to inflation adjustments over the last eight years.
The Rafale-M, a naval version of Dassault Aviation's Rafale, is specifically built for operations from aircraft carriers. These jets will be stationed aboard India's two carriers, the INS Vikramaditya and the newly commissioned INS Vikrant, enhancing the Indian Navy's strike, air defense, and reconnaissance capabilities.
The deal aligns with India’s broader effort to modernize its military, continuing a trend of major defense acquisitions over the past decade. Key procurements include the S-400 Triumf missile system from Russia in 2018 for $5.43 billion, Apache and Chinook helicopters from the U.S. in 2015 for $3 billion, and the 2020 purchase of MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for $2.6 billion.
The Rafale-M has notable specifications, including a length of 15.27 meters, a wingspan of 10.9 meters, and a maximum takeoff weight of 24.5 tons. Powered by two Snecma M88-2 turbofan engines, the aircraft offers both agility and power.
It is also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics like the Thales RBE2 AESA radar and the SPECTRA electronic warfare system, providing superior situational awareness and protection against threats. Its armament includes the Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles (BVRAAM), MICA missiles, Exocet AM39 anti-ship missiles, SCALP cruise missiles, and a 30mm GIAT 30 cannon. Notably, the Meteor BVRAAM, with a range of over 150 kilometers, will give the Indian Navy a significant edge in naval aerial warfare, allowing long-range targeting of enemy assets.
The Rafale-M has an operational range of approximately 1,850 kilometers, which can be extended through aerial refueling.
Defense experts have welcomed the deal, recognizing the Rafale-M's potential to grant India a strategic advantage in the Indian Ocean. Former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh called the acquisition a “new era of naval aviation.” Defense analyst Bharat Karnad has also emphasized the aircraft's range and weapons capabilities as critical in the current geopolitical context.
This procurement is expected to significantly enhance India’s naval air strength, especially amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
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