Page 18 - MRO Business Today 15th June 2024 Issue for Website

SPECIAL STORY

India and France to

India and France engage in pivotal talks to
Finalize $5.5 Billion secure Rafale M fighter jets, valued at $5.5
billion, for urgent naval requirements,
Rafale M Jet Deal enhancing carrier capabilities and
operational standards.

ndia and France are set to commence final MICA missiles, HAMMER, SCALP, AM39 EXOCET,
contract and price negotiations for the and laser-guided bombs, along with a 2,500
acquisition of Rafale M fighter jets, urgently rounds-per-minute NEXTER internal cannon.
needed by the Indian Navy for its aircraft While both Rafales are identical, the maritime
Icarriers. Senior officials will begin discus- version is heavier due to modifications like a re-
sions this week to finalize the estimated $5.5 bil- inforced undercarriage to cope with the stresses
lion deal, with the contract expected to be signed of landing on carrier decks, a new fin-tip Telemir
within the financial year, starting on May 30, 2024 system for syncing the inertial navigation
The negotiations will finalize the price, weap- system to external equipment, a “jump strut”
ons package, maintenance terms, and delivery nosewheel for short takeoffs, a tail hook for ar-
timelines for the aircraft. The Indian Navy is keen rested landings, and a carrier-based microwave
to conclude the deal promptly to equip its latest landing system.
aircraft carriers, INS Vikrant and INS Vikramad- Five Rafale M jets will be deployed on the INS
itya. The acquisition includes 22 single-seat jets Vikrant aircraft carrier, with the remaining jets
and four twin-seat trainers, along with equip- rotated as needed. This acquisition, cleared by
ment, weapons, spares, simulators, training, and the Defence Procurement Board in July last year,
logistic support. aims to meet the immediate and critical require-
The Rafale M, manufactured by Dassault Avia- ments of the Navy for carrier-borne combat
tion, is a versatile, single-seat aircraft capable aircraft. It will also benefit from operational
of performing a range of missions, including air commonality with the 36 Rafale jets already in
defense, nuclear deterrence, deep strikes, and service with the Indian Air Force.
reconnaissance. The jets will be manufactured to The Rafale M’s design facilitates on-wing
India-specific standards and incorporate several engine inspection and standard maintenance,
indigenous systems, including weapons and minimizing downtime and associated expenses.
communication technologies. The Rafale M can Essential line-replaceable units can be swiftly
execute both air-to-ground and air-to-air mis- replaced using commonly available tools. The
sions simultaneously, supported by its mission aircraft’s design also prioritizes fuel efficiency,
system, which accommodates various arma- aligning with Honeywell’s strategic focus on
ments such as the long-range Meteor missile, major aviation trends

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