India approves purchase of 114 Rafale and 6 P-8I aircraft in $40 billion package

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
Índia aprova compra de 114 Rafale e 6 P-8I em pacote de US$ 40 bilhões
India approves purchase of 114 Rafale and 6 P-8I aircraft in $40 billion package (X @Boeing_In)

India has taken a decisive step to strengthen its military capabilities by approving an acquisitions package estimated at $40 billion, highlighted by the purchase of 114 Rafale fighter jets and six P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

The decision was authorized by the country’s Defence Acquisition Council and involves projects intended for the Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

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In the case of the Rafale jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, around 90 of the 114 units are expected to be produced in India under the MRFA program, expanding the previous contract for 36 aircraft signed in 2016. The Navy had already ordered 26 Rafale M naval variants, with deliveries scheduled from 2029. The package also includes Scalp cruise missiles and paves the way for greater integration of indigenous weapons systems onto the aircraft.

Rafale Marine. Foto: Direction générale de l’armement
Rafale Marine. Photo: Direction générale de l’armement

The agreement is expected to gain additional momentum with French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to India and could strengthen cooperation between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Safran on the development of a new engine exceeding 120 kN of thrust, intended for India’s future fifth-generation fighter, the AMCA.

Additionally, the Navy will expand its surveillance fleet with six new Boeing P-8I Poseidon aircraft, joining previously acquired units.

By the 2030s, the country is expected to operate one of the largest maritime patrol structures in the region, including MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and aircraft based on the C-295 platform, consolidating a strategy focused on continuous monitoring and the protection of its strategic waters.

Source: Naval News | Photo: X @Boeing_In | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team

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