As part of its MRCBF program [Multi Role Carrier Borne Fighters]Indian Navy [Indian Navy] has launched a “competition” between Dassault Aviation’s Rafale Marine and Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet for 26 fighter-bombers meant to be deployed from the INS Vikrant, the first indigenously designed aircraft carrier. One of the challenges is replacing the Russian-designed MiG-29Ks, which have suffered from availability issues and a relatively high attrition rate.

In addition, it is also necessary to check the ability of both competing aircraft to operate from the flight deck in a STOBAR configuration. [c’est à dire doté d’un tremplin et de brins d’arrêt]. After tests at the INS Hansa naval base [Goa]in 2022, according to the Indian press, it was reported that the Rafale Marine had made a strong impression… This was confirmed during the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Paris on July 14.

Indeed, in addition to the intention to acquire three additional Scorpene-type submarines, the manager announced that the Rafale Marine had been selected by the Indian Navy after its evaluation. However, beyond the intrinsic capabilities of this aircraft, this choice would allow integration with the Indian Air Force, which is equipped with 36 Rafale B/C, ordered in September 2016, more than a year after the announcement of the opening of negotiations between Paris and New Delhi. Delhi, through the so-called “no prescription” procedure. [ou de « gouvernement à gouvernement »].

Therefore, this pattern will be reproduced for the aircraft desired by the Indian Navy. Therefore, according to the Indian press, the Indian Ministry of Defense gave a “letter of request” to Paris [lettre de requête] to officially open contract negotiations for these 26 Rafale Marines and to define all the specifications and capabilities expected. For example, there is talk of allowing these aircraft to fire Astra-made air-to-air missiles.

India and France celebrate 25 years of a unique strategic partnership, from the seabed to outer space.

A fruitful exchange with @rajnathsingh regarding the international situation, industrial cooperation and operational interaction between our armed forces. pic.twitter.com/loFrRrdYgE

— Sébastien Lecornu (@SebLecornu) October 12, 2023

And this will involve finding agreement on the contract amount. [on parle d’une somme de 5,5 milliards d’euros, ndlr] which, in addition to the delivery of Rafale M, will also involve weaponry and support [pièces de rechange, équipements associés, etc.]. A priori, Indian officials intend to move quickly given that the discussions must be concluded by the first quarter of 2024.

It should be noted that another Rafale Marine order could be made in the near future, as the Indian Navy is in the process of “maneuvers” to acquire a third aircraft carrier built on the INS Vikrant model.

Photo: National Navy