India to purchase Scorpène submarines and Rafale-M fighter jets

On July 14, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved proposals for acquiring new military equipment from France. The plans include the purchase of 26 additional Rafale-M multirole aircraft and 3 conventional Scorpène-class submarines.

The aircraft will differ from the previously ordered Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force. The new aircraft will be intended for the Indian Navy, specifically for maritime operations and carrier-based operations. Currently, India has two aircraft carriers, Defence Industry Europe reports.

The Rafale-M aircraft will be purchased along with equipment, armament, simulators, spare parts, and documentation. The French will also provide personnel training and logistical support based on an intergovernmental agreement. Among the 26 aircraft, 22 will be single-seaters.

India will also acquire 3 new submarines based on the Scorpène project. These units will join the existing 6 submarines of the Kalvari class, which were part of a licensed construction program in India initiated in 2005. The new submarines, like the first series, will be built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders shipyard.