Defence ministry on Thursday approved the proposal to buy 26 Rafale fighter jets and 3 Scorpene class conventional submarines for Indian Navy from France.According to the information, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, three services chiefs, and other senior officials approved the proposal during the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) meeting.It is to be noted here that the deals have been approved as Acceptance of Necessity by DAC, and are likely to be announced during PMs visit to France. Notably, PM Modi is on a two-day visit to France.The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in domestic sector. It will also help the MDL in…— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 13, 2023As per the proposal, Indian Navy will get 22 single-seated Rafale Marine Aircraft along with the four-trainer aircraft. Apart from this, three Scorpene class Submarines would also be acquired under the repeated clause as a part of Project 75, which is planned to be built at Mumbais Mazagon Dockyards Limited.According to the sources, the navy has been facing a shortage in terms of security challenges, so they are pressing for obtaining them as a priority.It is anticipated that the deal would cost around ₹90,000 crores but the final cost will be clear only after the negotiations are completed.
