India and France cement Rafale naval aircraft deal
India has signed a record contract with France worth 7.5 billion USD (10.4 billion CAD) for the delivery of Rafale M naval aircraft, as well as support and modernization packages for the 36 jets already in its possession. Here are the details of this contract, along with the performance of the Rafale aircraft.
According to Naval News, India signed an agreement with France to acquire 26 Rafale aircraft in the naval version. Of these, 22 will be single-seat Rafale M versions, and four will be dual-seat DH versions, which will operate exclusively from land. The two-seat naval version, Rafale N, was not developed due to budget constraints.
In addition, the largest contract in history between India and France includes a package of armaments, spare parts, maintenance packages, and upgrades for the 36 Rafale aircraft currently operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Deliveries of the Rafale M naval version are scheduled between 2028 and 2030, with the first unit expected to be showcased in India within 18 months.
The French Rafale M will not replace but will complement the MiG-29K aircraft, which India plans to keep in service until the 2040s. Reports also suggest that India might eventually acquire another batch of additional Rafale aircraft.
Rafale M — France's export hit maritime version
The Rafale M, the maritime version of the Rafale aircraft, first flew in the 1990s and entered service in 2001. Until now, this variant has been used exclusively by France, and India will become the second user.
The maritime M version can be easily distinguished from the land-based C version by having only 13 pylons, with one space reserved for an arrestor hook, which is essential for aircraft carriers. However, there are many more differences: the airframe and landing gear in the M version are much stronger than those in the land version.
One significant advantage is that 95% of the M version’s maintenance parts are compatible with the land version (C), which significantly streamlines logistics and allows for interchangeable use of land and maritime aviation spare parts in case of issues.
Tested in combat, such as during operations in Syria, the Rafale stands out for its excellent maneuverability and advanced sensor systems, including the IRST system and a modern radar with an active electronically scanned array. This aircraft can carry over 9,000 kg (about 20,000 pounds) of weaponry, which, along with a rich arsenal, offers enormous capabilities.
An arsenal for every occasion
The options include advanced long-range air-to-air Meteor missiles, short- to medium-range air-to-air MICA missiles (with RF radar-guided or IIR heat-seeking variants), anti-ship AM 39 Exocet missiles, Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG cruise missiles, AASM Hammer guided bombs, and ASMP-A missiles, which have thermonuclear warheads and are available only to France.
This impressive arsenal significantly enhances the Rafale's combat capabilities, even though it wasn't designed with stealth technology in mind. Combined with France’s relatively liberal approach to arms exports compared to countries like the USA, which require a corresponding foreign policy alignment, the Rafale has become an attractive choice for nations seeking to maintain independence from American influence while possessing equipment superior to Russian hardware.
