India inks Rs 3.25L cr Rafale mega deal to boost air power

Deal Breakdown: Aircraft, Weapons, and Support

The mega Rs 3.25 lakh crore agreement cleared in anticipation of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit later this month. Of this, about 2.5 lakh crore is allocated to the aircraft, with the remainder earmarked for weapons, spares and key support.
The DAC has also approved for further 6 additional P-8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft, costing around 28,000 crore. The aircraft are instrumental in strengthening the Indian Navy’s anti-submarine warfare and maritime surveillance capabilities, particularly in the increasingly contested waters of the Indian Ocean Region.

Six More P-8I Aircraft for Naval Strength

The move will immensely enhance the Indian Air Force's operational and combat capabilities. It comes just weeks before Emmanuel Macron, the French president, flies to visit India later this month, and the deal is expected to probably be signed at that time.
The plan specifies that 18 jets will be delivered in fly-away mode and the remaining 96 will be assembled in India. Almost 80 per cent of the fleet is expected to be made domestically and local content could reach 60 per cent under the Make in India. 

Rafale's Power: Capabilities and IAF Integration

The Rafale is a 4.5-generation twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft from France. It is known for its wide range and advanced avionics, not only carrying out complex multi-role combat missions. In one sortie, Rafale can complete air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, anti-ship strikes and nuclear deterrence missions.
Currently, India operates two Rafale squadrons, No 17 ‘Golden Arrows’ in Ambala, Haryana, and No 101 ‘Falcons’ in Hasimara, West Bengal. Rafale aircraft from the Indian Air Force were inducted into No 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara in July 2021. 

Rafale's Omni-Role Edge

Rafale fighter jets are produced by the French defense giant Dassault Aviation. The Indian Air Force now has 36 Rafale jets in its fleet. It is designed for omni-role operations, which means that when it’s on the road to a mission it can switch between different types of roles.
In July 2020, the first 5 Rafale aircraft for the Indian Air Force had arrived at Air Force Station Ambala, where they were thus inducted.