ISLAMABAD: India has formally requested France to expedite the delivery of26 Rafale-M naval fighter jets, originally slated for 2028. The IndianNavy’s push for earlier induction aims to bolster carrier-based operationsamid regional security challenges. However, Dassault Aviation has firmlyreiterated that no aircraft will be handed over without comprehensive pilottraining, emphasizing operational readiness for carrier landings andski-jump takeoffs.
Dassault’s stringent conditions mandate a minimum of 10 weeks of mandatorytraining for each Indian pilot in France, prioritizing instructionalprograms before any jet transfer. This approach ensures proficiency in theRafale-M’s advanced systems, critical for missions on vessels like INSVikrant. The agreement, valued at approximately $7.4 billion, encompasses22 single-seat fighters and four twin-seaters, alongside simulators,weapons, and logistics support.
Practical training will commence in 2026 aboard the French aircraft carrierCharles de Gaulle, integrating Indian personnel with French Navy experts.To facilitate this, a simulator base will be established in Goa, India,allowing sustained skill development. These measures address the aircraft’sintricate carrier operations, where premature delivery could compromisesafety and efficacy.
The Indian Navy must now align its schedules with this rigorous framework,curtailing any scope for haste. This stance from Dassault highlights theimperative of foundational expertise in handling the Rafale-M’scatapult-free launches and arrested recoveries. Deliveries remain projectedto conclude by 2030, fostering long-term interoperability with the IndianAir Force’s existing Rafale fleet..
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Source:www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-france-conclude-inter-governmental-agreement-for-26-rafale-m-jets-for-navy/article69500725.ece”>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-france-conclude-inter-governmental-agreement-for-26-rafale-m-jets-for-navy/article69500725.ece