NEW DELHI: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on an official visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has given its approval for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft from France.
This move aims to bolster the Indian Navyโs operational capabilities. The DAC, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, convened on July 13, 2023, where three proposals were approved.
In a tweet from the Defence ministerโs office, it was announced, โThe DAC granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulators, spares, documentation, crew training, and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).โ
A meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by RM Shri @rajnathsingh, has approved three proposals today.
โ เคฐเคเฅเคทเคพ เคฎเคเคคเฅเคฐเฅ เคเคพเคฐเฅเคฏเคพเคฒเคฏ/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) July 13, 2023
โThe price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the French Government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including the comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries,โ it further stated.
โFurther, integration of Indian-designed equipment and establishment of Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO) Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations,โ it stated.
Additionally, the DAC has approved the acquisition of three more Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category. โThe DAC also granted the AoN for the procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under the Buy (Indian) category, which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL),โ DAC stated.
The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining the required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector. It will also help the MDL further enhance its capability and expertise in submarine construction.
Furthermore, the DAC has given the nod to laying down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases.
This step is crucial for realising the vision of โAatmanirbhartaโ (self-reliance) in critical manufacturing technologies and the life-cycle sustenance of defence platforms and equipment through indigenous manufacturing.
As Prime Minister Modi arrives in France for his official visit, several deals are expected to be signed between India and France, some worth โน90,000 crores. These agreements will further strengthen Indiaโs defence capabilities.
