APSC Legal Metrology: India–France Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) Paper 1

Purpose:

• Procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy
  • 22 single-seater
  • 4 twin-seater

Significance:

• Enhances naval air power and replaces MiG-29K fleet
• Part of India’s effort to modernise carrier-based aviation

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About Rafale-M (Marine) Fighter Jet

• Type: Carrier-borne 4+ generation, single-seat fighter aircraft
• Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation, France
• Role:“Omnirole aircraft” – capable of:
  • Air-to-air combat
  • Air-to-ground strikes
  • Reconnaissance
  • Maritime operations
• Carrier Compatibility:
  • Operates from INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya
  • Special features for carrier operations:
    • Reinforced undercarriage
    • Strengthened landing gears
    • Folding wings
    • Strengthened nose