A Rafale Boost for the Navy

Local residents greeted the first Rafale fighters that arrived at the Indian Air Force (IAF) Ambala base on July 29, 2020 with shouts of joy and wonder, rushing outdoors to catch a glimpse of the descending jets. Indeed, the delivery of the fighters was a signal achievement. The government-to-government deal for the Dassault jets signed in 2016 was subject to a blizzard of allegations ranging from bribery to favouritism. The campaign was essentially political in nature and the Supreme Court in 2018 dismissed allegations of irregularities and corruption as unfounded. The 36 Rafales India received were a consequential force multiplier at a time when border tensions with China flared in 2020.

Now, the Modi government has approved a ₹63,000-crore purchase of 26 Rafale M, the naval version, which includes four trainers. The contract is expected to be concluded this month and delivery will take place over six-and-a-half years. Dassault’s excellent record in delivering the fighters—and the experience of IAF in operating the advanced 4.5 generation jets—was no doubt an incentive in opting for the naval version that will operate from aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. Its competitor, Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, is a competent fighter and worthy successor to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat made immortal by the film Top Gun. The delays in the supply of General Electric’s (GE) F404 engines, though not related to Boeing, raise niggling concerns. India has purchased substantial quantities of American defence equipment and while GE quoted supply chain problems and the engines are now being delivered, the possibility of a political signal in delays is worrying.

The Rafale fighter is a superior plane with a robust platform that can support design innovation and additions over the next couple of decades. Its avionics are outstanding and will add much-needed punch to India’s growing maritime responsibilities. It will also help counter China’s bid to expand its footprint in the Indian Ocean Region.

Indian defenceIndian NavyINS VikrantRafale fighterstrainers