Two major defence deals are close to being finalised between India and France. These deals include the direct procurement of 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and the construction of three additional Scorpene submarines, collectively valued at nearly Rs 1 lakh crore ($10.9 billion), according to a report in Times of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a trip to the West and is currently in France since Monday. According to governmental information by sources that did not wish to be named, the Rs 63,000 crore ($7.26 billion) agreement for 22 single-seat Rafale-M jets and four twin-seat trainer variants for the Navy is awaiting final approval from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Also, the Rs 33,500 crore ($) contract for three additional diesel-electric Scorpene submarines, set to be built by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) in collaboration with France’s Naval Group, is expected to be reviewed by the CCS after inter-ministerial consultations.
The Rafale-M deal will be taken up by the CCS after the Prime Minister returns from his trip to France and the U.S. Cost negotiations for the Scorpene submarines took longer than expected due to the high initial price quoted by MDL. Both agreements are expected to be signed before the current fiscal year ends on March 31.
In addition to these contracts, India and France are exploring a long-term collaboration between French aerospace company Safran and India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) to jointly develop a 110-kilonewton jet engine for India’s advanced medium combat aircraft (AMCA) project. However, this proposal is still in its early stages.
The upcoming government-to-government deal for Rafale-M includes a comprehensive package covering weapon systems, simulators, crew training, performance-based logistics support for five years, and spare parts for the 36 Rafale jets already operational with the Indian Air Force. The 26 Rafale-M jets will be specially equipped to operate from India’s indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant. Delivery is expected between 37 and 65 months after the contract is signed, with all jets arriving by 2030-31.
The Scorpene submarine contract will see MDL deliver the first submarine within six years of signing the agreement, followed by the remaining two at annual intervals. The new submarines will feature design upgrades compared to the existing six Kalvari-class vessels built for over Rs 23,000 crore. Additionally, plans are underway to integrate DRDO’s fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion (AIP) system into the new submarines to enhance underwater endurance. The AIP system will also be retrofitted into the older Scorpene submarines during their scheduled overhauls.
Rafales are also at Aero India 2025, Asia’s largest aerospace show being held in Bengaluru currently, as a part of the Indian Air Force’s delegation alongside the likes of giants like Su-57 and F-35.
