New Delhi: The Indian Navy is set to finalise agreements for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine combat aircraft, valued at Rs 90,000 crore. Apart from that, negotiations for three Scorpene submarines are ongoing, with plans to conclude the deal by next month, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi told ANI on Monday.
“The Indian Navy is hoping to sign the deals for Rafale-Marine and three additional Scorpene submarines by next month,” the Navy chief said while addressing the annual Navy Day press conference.
Indian Navy to boost capabilities
The Indian Navy is in discussions with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft. At the same time, negotiations with the French Naval Group are underway to build three additional Scorpene-class submarines at Mazagon Dockyards Limited. The submarines will supplement the six Scorpene-class submarines already completed by the dockyard.
The Indian Navy aims to integrate these three submarines into the Project 75 India initiative, which seeks to bolster the nation’s indigenous submarine capabilities. Other than that, the Indian Navy Chief said that the maritime force is closely monitoring the activities of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) in the Indian Ocean Region.
Indian Navy tracks Chinese naval activities
Admiral Tripathi further highlighted that the Indian Navy is closely monitoring the presence of extra-regional forces in the Indian Ocean, including the PLA Navy, their warships, and research vessels. He also confirmed the successful launch of the nuclear-capable missile from the INS Arighaat.
The Government of India has approved the development of two indigenously designed nuclear attack submarines, with plans to complete the first by 2036-37 and the second within two years of that. According to PTI, over the next decade, India is expected to induct around 95 ships, aiming to strengthen its position as a maritime power and maintain credible deterrence.
