India will purchase more ‘Scalp’ missiles which were successful in ‘Operation Sindoor’. This Rs 3200 crore defense deal with France is in the final stages. These missiles will also be installed on Rafale aircraft of the Air Force and Navy.
New Delhi: India is preparing to buy a large number of ‘Scalp’ cruise missiles which played an important role in ‘Operation Vermillion’ which destroyed terrorist hideouts in Pakistan. India is preparing the ground for a defense deal worth about Rs 3200 crore (300 million euros) with France. And the Air Force had placed a demand to purchase Scalp missiles. Defense sources said that talks with France are in the final stages and a decision can be taken soon.
India had carried out ‘Operation Sindoor’ in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Indian Air Force had used Scalp and BrahMos missiles from Rafale aircraft to destroy terrorist bases of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Bahawalpur of Pakistan. These missiles were successful in hitting their targets with great accuracy. The Indian Army also used Scalp missiles to destroy 12 Pakistani Air Force bases and several fighter and spy aircraft.
Know how dangerous scalp missile is
Scalp missiles are capable of hitting targets up to 250 to 500 kilometers away. According to reports, the Defense Ministry has also accelerated the process of purchasing 114 more Rafale fighter aircraft in addition to the existing aircraft. India will have around 200 Rafale aircraft in the next 10-15 years. Scalp missiles will also be installed in 26 Rafale marine aircraft to be purchased for the Indian Navy.
Given the increasing security challenges in the region, it is expected that the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) will give official approval to the deal in the coming days. These important steps are being taken at a time when French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit India later this month.