Rs 1942119410000 Deal: India is expected to sign a major deal with France for 114 Rafale fighter jets to fulfil the need of the Indian Air Force’s dwindling fighter squadrons.
France’s Dassault Aviation, company that manufactures the Rafale jet, has made an estimate of USD22 billion. Notably, the deal will be sign under ‘Make in India’ initiative, in which over 60 percent of the fighter jets will be indigenously produced. Rafale is the fighter jet which was used during Operation Sindoor, under which Indian Armed Forces destroyed terrorists hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Is It The Biggest Defence Deal In Indian History?
If the deal to acquire 114 Rafale jets get final approval from the Defence Ministry, then it will be the biggest defence deal in the history of the country. This deal will also make Rafale the most expensive fighter jet in the world. As per several reports, the Indian Air Force has sent a proposal to the Defence Ministry. As per the proposal the estimated price of one Rafale jet is USD193million (approx Rs 17,03,52,48,834). It is worth noting that the deal not just include the price of the fighter jet but cost of a production plant, missiles that will be installed in Rafale, electronic warfare, cost of training program, maintenance infrastructure and long-term logistics support.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The country is expected to sign a Rs 19,42,11,94,10,000 (USD 22 billion) agreement with France for 114 Rafale fighter jets.
- Each Rafale is estimated at USD 193 million, making it more expensive than the US’s F-35A, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Russian Sukhoi Su-35S.
- The deal includes not just jets but also production facilities, missiles, electronic warfare systems, training, and long-term logistics support.
- The Indian Air Force currently has 31 squadrons against the required 42.
Why Does the Rafale Cost More Than the F-35A?
When India bought the first batch of Rafale then also opposition parties raised the issue of its price. If Rafale is compared with the rest of the world’s advanced fighter jets in this category, it proves to be much more expensive. If it is compared with Made In America F-35A Lightning-II, the US jet is a fifth-generation stealth-capable fighter aircraft and cost USD110 million (per unit cost).
The price of Eurofighter Typhoon (Tranche 3A) is USD117-130 million. Russian Sukhoi Su-35S Flanker-E costs USD65-85 million. In comparison, the price of Rafale per unit is quite high at USD193 million.
What Does the Defence Expert Say?
According to defence experts, production under ‘Make in India’ initiative, long-term support package and Dassault’s state-of-the-art avionics system justify the price.
Why Is The Rafale Deal Important For The Indian Air Force?
- The projected cost for 114 Rafale aircraft is approx USD22 billion.
- Defence experts are supporting the deal and its high cost.
- The Indian Air Force currently operates only 31 squadrons, falling short of the required 42 squadrons.
- This shortfall in squadrons compromises the operational effectiveness of the Air Force.