Rafale Deal: French President Emmanuel Macron has come on a four-day visit to India. Emmanuel Macron reached Mumbai today i.e. on Tuesday. He will have a meeting and meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. The meeting and discussion between the two leaders is going to create a stir in the world of defense and technology.
This visit of Emmanuel Macron is mainly aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between India and France. But the biggest focus of this visit is the mega Rafale defense deal worth Rs 3.25 lakh crore. This deal between India and France will equip the Indian Air Force with 114 modern Rafale fighter aircraft.
Have helped on many big projects before
Relations between India and France are already strong. After the first deal for 36 Rafale jets in 2016, the two countries have collaborated on several projects, such as Scorpene submarines. This visit in 2026 is important because India wants to double its air power amidst the increasing aggression of China and the actions of Pakistan. Emmanuel Macron also believes that India is France’s biggest partner. India has given proof of the strength of Rafale in Operation Sindoor. This is why the main focus of this visit is the Rafale deal. This deal will not only strengthen defense but will also become a guarantee of India-France partnership.
Big Rafale deal between India and France
This is India’s biggest arms purchase after independence. The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) of the Defense Ministry has recently given the green signal to this deal. Under the deal, 114 Rafale multi-role fighter aircraft will be purchased from France’s Dassault Aviation Company. Of these, 18 aircraft will be purchased off-the-shelf directly from France, while the remaining 96 aircraft will be manufactured in India. The total cost is approximately 30 billion euros i.e. Rs 3.25 lakh crore. Apart from aircraft, this deal also includes scalps like maintenance, training, logistics and missile systems. With this deal, the strength of the Indian Air Force will increase by about 50 percent because currently there are only 36 Rafales.
Importance of F-5 version in Rafale deal
The most important thing in this deal is the F-5 version of Rafale. Rafale is a French multi-role fighter aircraft which is effective in water, land and air. It has different versions like F3, F4 and now F5. The new deal will include F4 and F5 versions. Of these, 24 aircraft will be Super Rafale, which is the prototype of the F-5 version. Currently India has F-3 version Rafale. F-4 and F-5 will come with advanced technology and upgraded systems. The F-5 version is being considered like the sixth generation fighter aircraft.
Features of F-5 Rafale
F5 Rafale will have advanced sensors, stealth features, AI-based autonomy and kill-web technology. It will target the enemy by connecting multiple aircraft. Its new engines, better missiles and drone integration make it extremely powerful. There are 24 Super Rafale F5 prototypes and France will deliver them by 2030. India will also get technology transfer from this deal, so that in future India itself will be able to make aircraft like Rafale. This deal will not only be about arms but will also strengthen the India-France strategic partnership.
