New Delhi [India]: The ₹60,000 crore+ Rafale Marine jet deal with France is set to not only boost the Indian Navy’s air power but also enhance the buddy-buddy refuelling and operational capabilities of the 36 Rafale jets in the Indian Air Force (IAF) fleet.
The Indian Navy is acquiring 26 Rafale Marine aircraft to strengthen INS Vikrant, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier. The deal, now in its final clearance stage by the Cabinet Committee on Security, includes critical enhancements that will benefit the IAF’s Rafale fleet as well.
Buddy-Buddy Refuelling Capability for IAF Rafales
One of the major upgrades involves enabling buddy-buddy aerial refuelling, allowing around 10 of the 36 IAF Rafale jets to refuel other aircraft mid-air, extending their range and operational endurance. This capability will significantly enhance India’s aerial strike and defense potential.
Additionally, the deal will provide the IAF with:
✅ Ground-based support equipment for efficient operations
✅ Software upgrades for enhanced performance
Rafale Marine Fleet Details
Under the government-to-government agreement, the Indian Navy will receive:
✈️ 22 single-seater Rafale Marine jets
✈️ 4 twin-seater Rafale Marine jets
To facilitate deck operations, specialized equipment will be installed on INS Vikrant, enabling seamless operation of these 4.5+ generation fighter jets.
Future of Naval Aviation in India
Currently, the MiG-29K remains the Navy’s primary carrier-based fighter operating from INS Vikramaditya. However, the long-term vision includes developing an indigenous fifth-generation deck-based fighter.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is spearheading the development of the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), which will serve as a naval counterpart to the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) being designed for the Indian Air Force.
Strategic Boost for India’s Defense
The Rafale Marine acquisition aligns with India’s vision to enhance its naval and air combat capabilities, reinforcing the Make in India initiative while ensuring cutting-edge technology integration into the armed forces.