India inks ₹64,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine jets, enhancing naval strength. Key facts and exam-focused insights for March 2025 current affairs.
India Signs Landmark Deal for 26 Rafale-Marine Jets: All You Need to Know
Introduction
In a significant development in "current affairs March 2025", India has signed a ₹64,000 crore deal with France to procure 26 advanced Rafale-Marine fighter jets for the Indian Navy. This "competitive exam news" is crucial for aspirants preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, and other government exams. Here’s a comprehensive "daily GK update" from the Atharva Examwise current news desk.
Key Details of the Rafale-Marine Deal
What Was Signed?
Deal Value: ₹64,000 crore (approx. $7.4 billion)
Parties Involved: Government of India and France’s Dassault Aviation
Number of Jets: 26 (22 single-seater, 4 twin-seater)
Purpose: To strengthen India’s maritime security and modernize the Navy’s air fleet121019.
Timeline
First Delivery: Expected in 2028
Full Induction: By 2030, all jets will be operational in the Indian Navy19.
Deployment
Aircraft Carriers: The Rafale-M jets will be deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, India’s premier aircraft carriers219.
Fleet Strength: With this addition, India will operate a total of 62 Rafale jets (36 with the Air Force, 26 with the Navy)1019.
Features and Capabilities of Rafale-Marine Jets
Generation: 4.5-generation, multirole, carrier-capable fighter411.
Speed: Maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (approx. 1,912 km/h)417.
Combat Range: Up to 1,850 km; ferry range of 3,700 km17.
Service Ceiling: Can reach up to 50,000 feet in altitude1417.
Armament: Equipped with advanced air-to-air missiles (including Meteor), anti-ship missiles, precision-guided bombs, and nuclear capability145.
Avionics: Features AESA radar, SPECTRA electronic warfare suite, and advanced targeting systems414.
Refueling: Capable of mid-air refueling for extended missions17.
Carrier Operations: Specially reinforced for takeoff and landing from aircraft carriers, including ski-jump compatibility for Indian carriers1311.
Strategic and Indigenous Aspects
Make in India: The deal includes technology transfer for integrating indigenous weapons like the Astra BVR missile and setting up maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India131619.
Offset Clause: French companies will partner with Indian firms for local manufacturing of components, boosting domestic industry113.
Enhanced Maritime Security: The induction is a direct response to rising challenges in the Indian Ocean, especially with increased Chinese naval activity1019.
Comparison with Regional Rivals
Technological Edge: Rafale-M jets outclass Pakistan’s JF-17 and F-16, as well as China’s J-10 and J-15, due to superior avionics, weaponry, and operational range517.
Operational Versatility: Capable of air superiority, ground and maritime strike, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions414.
Key Takeaways for Exams
India signed a ₹64,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale-Marine jets in April 2025121019.
First Rafale-M delivery is expected in 2028; all jets to be inducted by 203019.
The jets will operate from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya, enhancing India’s maritime strike capability219.
Rafale-M is a 4.5-generation, carrier-capable fighter with advanced avionics and weaponry414.
The deal includes technology transfer, integration of indigenous weapons, and domestic manufacturing support131619.
Strengthens India’s edge over Pakistan and China in naval aviation517.
Relevant for "current affairs March 2025", "daily GK update", and "competitive exam news".
Why This Matters for Exams
This landmark defence deal is a major highlight for all competitive exams. It covers important themes like India’s defence modernization, international relations, ‘Make in India’ initiatives, and maritime security. Aspirants should focus on the deal’s strategic implications, technological features of Rafale-M, and its impact on India’s regional power projection for the "Atharva Examwise current news" section.
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