INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: The government is likely to sign a deal for the purchase of naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France, for which the final
decision is likely in the defence acquisition council meeting before PM Narendra Modi leaves for France next week.The PM will be in France
on July 13-14 during which he will be the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade.The multi-billion dollar deal for 24-30 Rafale-Marine
jets is likely to be announced during his two-day visit.Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French Rafale
Marine over the F-18 Super Hornets of the US
Though there is no clarity about the price, they are expected to be cheaper than the version bought by the IAF earlier.Govt-to-govt deal to
fly in naval RafalesThe Modi government is likely to sign a deal for the purchase of naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France
The fighter planes are likely to be procured through a government-to-government deal instead of taking the open tender route as the
acquisition through this process will be easier and help save time.The Indian Navy has been scouting for a suitable fighter to be deployed
on aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
The savings that will result on account of training, repairs and maintenance due to the commonality of the fleet also weighed with the Navy
and the defence ministry.Last year, the naval version of Rafale fighter jets from France and American F/A-18 Super Hornet had both
demonstrated their operational capabilities
The Indian Navy recorded its options and submitted a report to the government for a final decision on acquiring the best fighter for its
newly-launched aircraft carrier
Rafale-M, like F/A-18, is adapted at short take-off and arrested recovery technology required for deck deployment on INS Vikrant, which uses
an upward curve ramp to launch.Rafale-M has superior air power as compared to the present MIG-29K deployed on the aircraft carrier.
