New Delhi: India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) is anticipated to approve the acquisition of 26 Rafale-Maritime strike aircraft for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier in a meeting scheduled for today, September 3. This move will mark a significant step in enhancing the Indian Navy's capabilities.
The DAC, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will review the final details of the acquisition, including the cost negotiations. The Council is also expected to endorse the construction of seven additional Project 17B stealth frigates for the Indian Navy, at an estimated cost of Rs.70,000 crores. These new frigates, each weighing around 8,000 tonnes, are designed to offer advanced strike capabilities.
Due to the urgent need for the Rafale-M fighters, the DAC may decide to forgo integrating DRDO’s AESA radars into the aircraft. This decision is influenced by the high cost and potential delay associated with the radar integration. The Indian Navy has stressed the immediate requirement for these fighters, as the current MiG-29K fighters on the INS Vikramaditya are limited in number and require upgrades.
In addition to the Rafale-M fighters, the Indian Navy is set to enhance its fleet with 41 MQ-9B Predator armed drones from the US and three more Kalvari-class submarines by the end of this year.
The Indian Navy is focused on strengthening its capabilities to counter the growing threat from the Chinese Navy, which has been expanding its presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Analysts predict that China may establish long-range patrols and turn-around bases in Djibouti, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and potentially Bangladesh in the future.
The US has committed to supplying India with necessary military equipment, and France has expressed support for India’s efforts in manufacturing fighters, long-range missile systems, and underwater drones.
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