France Submits Final Price Offer for 26 Rafale Marine Jets Ahead of Key Strategic Talks
France has submitted its final price offer to India for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets, which are set to be deployed on India's INS Vikrant aircraft carrier and at other bases. This offer was submitted in advance of Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval's scheduled visit to France, where the deal is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming India-France Strategic Dialogue.
According to defense sources, the French side has provided a significant price reduction following extensive negotiations. The final offer follows a round of discussions last week in New Delhi, where a French delegation met with Indian officials to finalize details.
The Rafale Marine deal is part of India’s broader efforts to enhance its naval strike capabilities. As part of the agreement, India has approved deviations in the tender document, including the integration of indigenous systems. These include the Uttam radar and indigenous weapons such as the Astra beyond visual range missiles and Rudram anti-radiation missiles. However, sources noted that integrating the Uttam radar could extend the timeline for delivery by up to eight years and increase costs.
The pricing structure for the deal will take inflation into account, and elements from the 2016 agreement for the purchase of 36 Rafale jets for the Indian Air Force will serve as a reference. Some Indian Air Force requirements, such as the inclusion of approximately 40 drop tanks and a small number of workstations, have also been incorporated into the naval deal.
Additionally, India is expected to receive an increased number of Meteor long-range air-to-air missiles and anti-ship weaponry as part of this agreement. Both sides aim to finalize the deal before the end of the current financial year.