Indian Navy Anticipates Finalizing Deals for Rafale Fighters and Scorpene Submarines

The Indian Navy is in advanced stages of finalizing agreements worth approximately ₹90,000 crore for the acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three additional Scorpene-class submarines. The deals are expected to be signed by next month, according to Navy Chief Dinesh K Tripathi.

During a press briefing ahead of Navy Day, Tripathi noted that negotiations with France involve procuring the Rafale Marine jets and working with the French Naval Group to construct the submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited (MDL).

The three new Scorpene-class submarines will augment the existing fleet of six Scorpene submarines already constructed by MDL under the Project 75 initiative. The additional submarines are planned to integrate with the broader Project 75 India program, aimed at strengthening domestic submarine manufacturing capabilities.

This procurement marks a continuation of India’s efforts to modernize its naval fleet and enhance maritime security capabilities. The information was shared during the Navy Day annual press conference.