Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to France is expected to expedite key defence procurements, including 26 Rafale-M fighter jets and three Scorpene-class submarines, strengthening India’s naval and aerial capabilities.
PM Modi is set to visit Paris this month on a bilateral trip and participate in the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit. During his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, discussions will focus on crucial Indo-French defence agreements. These deals, along with other key military acquisitions, are likely to be finalised before the end of the current fiscal year on March 31.
According to sources, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is expected to approve these major procurements in the coming weeks. Final discussions may coincide with PM Modi’s visit to Paris, ensuring swift implementation.
The Indian Navy is particularly keen on acquiring 26 Rafale-M fighter jets to enhance its aircraft carrier fleet. For the purpose of maritime security, these advanced naval fighters will operate from India’s two aircraft carriers, the INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
The other three Scorpene-class submarines which would be built under Project-75 will eventually shore up India’s underwater-striking capability. The submarines will be built under a technology transfer contract involving Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and France’s Naval Group, aiming to boost Defence manufacturing and self-reliance in India.
Other essential naval procurements are in line with India’s broader maritime security vision. Most importantly, the US has agreed to supply the Indian Navy with MQ-9B Predator drones by 2029. The US has already supplied India with a replacement for the MQ-9A drone that was downed in a crash last year. Since 2020, the Navy had been operating two MQ-9A drones with a lease from General Atomics.
Besides these transactions, the Indian government is looking finalize other major military deals this fiscal year, purchasing 307 Advanced Towed Artillery Gun Systems (ATAGs) to modernize the armed forces of India is also a part of it. To build national defence capability, the government aims to promote joint ventures along with indigenous manufacturing under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
