The government is expected to finalize a contract with France to purchase naval versions of Rafale fighter jets, with the final decision likely to be made in the defense acquisition council meeting before Prime Minister Narendra Modi departs for France next week. The Prime Minister will be in France on July 13-14, serving as the Guest of Honor in the Bastille Day Parade.

During his two-day visit, a multibillion-dollar purchase for 24-30 Rafale-Marine jets is expected to be announced. According to sources, the Indian Navy has shown a preference for the French Rafale Marine over the US F-18 Super Hornets. Though no price has been announced, they are believed to be less expensive than the version purchased by the IAF previously.

The Modi government is expected to finalize an agreement with France to purchase naval versions of Rafale fighter jets. The fighter planes are expected to be acquired in a government-to-government contract rather than through an open tender process because it is easier and saves time. The Indian Navy has been on the lookout for a suitable fighter to deploy on the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According to sources, the Navy chose Dassault’s Rafale Marine, which shares more than 80% of the attributes of the IAF’s Rafales. The savings in training, repairs, and maintenance that would arise from the fleet’s commonality were also considered by the Navy and the defense ministry.

Last year, both the French Rafale fighter jets and the American F/A-18 Super Hornet displayed their operational capabilities. The Indian Navy documented its possibilities and submitted a report to the government in order for the government to make a final decision on the best fighter for its newly launched aircraft carrier. Rafale-M, like the F/A-18, is equipped with the short take-off and arrested recovery technology required for deck deployment on the INS Vikrant, which launches from an upward curve ramp. When compared to the current MIG-29K deployed on the aircraft carrier, the Rafale-M has better air power.