Dassault Aviation has declared that the Marine version of the Rafale fighter jet, known as the Rafale-M, will be priced at around 91 million Euros per unit. This pricing is similar to the lighter Air Force version previously purchased by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The Indian Navy plans to acquire 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, which are specifically designed for aircraft carrier operations. These jets will operate from the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya. The decision to price the Rafale-M similarly to the Air Force version is expected to streamline logistics and maintenance, given the commonality between the two variants.
The Rafale-M and the IAF’s Rafale share about 80% of their components, which significantly reduces costs related to spares and maintenance. Both variants belong to the 4+ generation of fighter aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics and capabilities that are on par with fifth-generation jets.
The Indian government is eager to finalize the negotiations with France and sign the agreement for the Rafale-M jets by the end of the financial year. This urgency is driven by the need to enhance the Indian Navy’s operational capabilities and ensure the early induction of these advanced fighter jets.
The selection of the Rafale-M over the American-made Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet highlights India’s strategic preference for the Rafale platform, which has already proven its worth in the IAF. The commonality between the Rafale-M and the IAF’s Rafale jets is expected to provide operational advantages and cost savings.
Dassault Aviation’s decision to price the Rafale-M at the same level as the Air Force version reflects the strong strategic relationship between India and France. This move is also seen as a testament to the exceptional quality and performance of the Rafale fighter jets, which have been a cornerstone of India’s defense capabilities.
As India continues to modernize its military and enhance its defense capabilities, the acquisition of the Rafale-M fighter jets will play a crucial role in maintaining air superiority and ensuring the security of its maritime interests.
