After MoD nod, Rafale-M jet deal goes to CCS

The Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to give a formal nod to the deal to buy 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Navy from French firm Dassault.

The Ministry of Defence has already approved the purchase of fighters.

Sources said the deal was expected to be taken up during the PM’s likely visit to Paris on February 10-11 for the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit being hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

These naval jets can take off and land on aircraft carriers. India has two such carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant — that use Russia-origin MiG-29K jets for operations. An indigenous twin-engine deck-based fighter jet is under development. However, till it is developed, Rafale-M would be used, said the sources.

Expected to cost $7.2 billion, the deal includes purchase of 22 single-seater Rafale-M jets and four twin-seater Rafale trainers.

The French President’s office has already announced that the PM has been invited for the Artificial Intelligence Summit scheduled to be held on February 10 and 11.

Last month, Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi had said the deal was in the final stage and could be completed next month.

Once the CCS okays it, it will be followed by the signing of the contract. As it is a government-to-government deal, it is expected to be implemented quickly.