• India and France inked an intergovernmental agreement sealing a mega deal to procure 26 Rafale Marine jets at a cost of Rs 64,000 crore for deployment on board Indian Navy's aircraft carrier INS Vikrant.

• The Rafale Marine is a carrier-borne combat-ready aircraft with proven operational capabilities in the maritime environment.

• Dassault Aviation is the manufacturer of Rafale jets.

• Rafale Marine is the naval variant of the Dassault Rafale fighter jet, specifically designed for carrier-based operations and can carry about 9.5 tonnes of weapons, fuel tanks and pods.

• These advanced fighters will come equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, sophisticated missiles, and state-of-the-art avionics, providing the Indian Navy with superior air defence and strike capabilities in maritime operations. 

• The Indian Air Force already operates 36 Rafale fighter aircraft.

Key points of the deal:

• Under the deal, the French aviation major will deliver 22 single-seat Rafale Marine jets and four twin-seat trainers.

• The deal also includes training of personnel, supply of simulators, associated equipment, weapons and performance-based logistics.

• The pact provides for the setting up of a production facility for Rafale fuselage as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities for aircraft engines, sensors and weapons in India.

• The agreement will also facilitate the transfer of technology for the integration of indigenous weapons in India.

• The delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2028 and will be completed by 2030, with the crew undergoing training in France and India.

• It also includes additional equipment for the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force.

• The induction of Rafale Marine would lead to the addition of a potent force multiplier to the Indian Navy's aircraft carriers, substantially boosting the nation’s air power at sea.

• The sealing of the Rafale Marine mega deal came three weeks after the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi cleared the procurement.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)